‘I apologise’ – Newcastle legend breaks TV studio celebrating Alexander Isak winner against Arsenal
In an unexpected and memorable twist during BBC’s Football Focus, Shay Given’s passion for Newcastle United was on full display—so much so that it led to an accidental mishap. Celebrating in the studio after his former team took the lead against Arsenal, Given’s enthusiasm couldn’t be contained, and he inadvertently damaged part of the studio set. The incident happened during a pivotal moment in the Premier League matchup at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle was battling to end a five-game winless streak and get their season back on track.
The dramatic moment that sparked Given’s reaction came in the 12th minute of the game when Alexander Isak powered in a brilliant header from a perfectly delivered cross by Anthony Gordon. The home crowd erupted, echoing through the stands as fans celebrated Isak’s goal, which came as a much-needed boost for Newcastle supporters. The early lead was electrifying for the Newcastle faithful, who had been waiting to see their side regain winning form after weeks of frustrating results. For Given, who made over 350 league appearances as Newcastle’s goalkeeper and remains one of the club’s most beloved figures, Isak’s goal was pure elation, even though he was watching from the BBC studio rather than in the stadium.
As Given celebrated passionately from the studio, the excitement got the better of him. In a burst of joy, he kicked out, accidentally hitting the table in front of him. The unexpected kick sent part of the set flying, causing a brief moment of chaos. Presenter Kelly Somers quickly picked up on the situation, humorously letting viewers in on the mishap. “I’m just going to let you in on a little secret,” she said with a grin. “It’s been a bit chaotic in the studio—Shay Given has just broken part of the set. Shay, why did you do that?”
Caught in the act and slightly embarrassed, Given held up what looked like a piece of a light fixture that had come loose from the table. With a sheepish smile, he responded, “I just kicked the table by mistake, so I apologize for that!” But Somers, clearly amused, pressed him, asking why he’d been so exuberant. Given, showing the passion that made him a fan favorite during his Newcastle days, replied, “Why did I do that? Because Isak has just scored against Arsenal! A brilliant cross from Anthony Gordon, Isak header, top corner—1-0 to the Toon!”
The hilarious and unexpected incident added a lighthearted twist to what had already been an intensely emotional game. Newcastle’s performance on the pitch was equally nerve-racking and inspiring, with the team managing to hold onto their narrow one-goal lead despite significant pressure from Arsenal throughout the second half. The victory marked a crucial milestone for Newcastle, who had been struggling to find form, and sent a surge of hope through their fan base. The win was Newcastle’s fourth in the Premier League this season and finally broke their frustrating five-match winless run, signaling a potential turning point as they seek to climb back up the table.
For Arsenal, however, the result dealt another setback in their pursuit of the title. The defeat came hot on the heels of a disappointing 2-2 draw with Liverpool, meaning Arsenal has now dropped points in consecutive matches. With the league leaders, Manchester City, likely to extend their lead at the top of the table if they secured a victory against Bournemouth, Arsenal found themselves trailing further in the title race. This loss also marked only the second defeat of Arsenal’s campaign, but in a title race as competitive as this, even small margins can have big consequences. As they strive for a third consecutive title challenge, Arsenal faces the challenge of regaining their momentum in the face of increased pressure.
Given’s reaction to Newcastle’s victory, and the humor surrounding his accidental table-breaking celebration, quickly became a talking point among fans and pundits alike. It’s a reminder of how strong the connection remains between Newcastle’s loyal supporters and their team, as well as how deep Given’s love for the club runs, years after his playing days ended. His enthusiastic celebration captured the essence of what it means to be a fan—especially a Newcastle fan who has ridden the highs and lows of supporting the club through thick and thin.
The moment perfectly encapsulated the emotional rollercoaster of football fandom. For Given, seeing his team win against a formidable opponent like Arsenal was an exhilarating experience. Despite his slip-up in the studio, his reaction struck a chord with fans watching at home who shared his elation. After all, Newcastle’s journey this season has been one filled with struggles, but moments like this remind fans of the thrill and unpredictability that makes football so beloved. And for Given, the mishap serves as a testament to the undying passion that binds players and fans, both current and former, to the game and their teams.
As Newcastle fans celebrated both at the stadium and from afar, the victory over Arsenal felt like more than just three points—it was a moment of relief and hope that their season may still turn around. For Given, it was a reminder of how much Newcastle’s fortunes still mean to him, a moment he may laugh about in the days to come but one that also highlighted the pure, uncontainable joy that only football can bring.