Alan Shearer Shuts Down Claims of Newcastle “Double Standards” in Fiery Exchange with Micah Richards

Alan Shearer was quick to defend himself after being accused of showing “double standards” by fellow pundit Micah Richards on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football. The Newcastle United legend found himself in the firing line during a light-hearted debate about transfer dealings — but didn’t hesitate to clap back at his long-time friend.

During the show, which Shearer co-hosts alongside Richards and Gary Lineker, the trio were reflecting on this week’s Carabao Cup fixtures. Discussion eventually turned to Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux — a result that booked Enzo Maresca’s side a place in the quarter-finals.

While talking about Wolves’ poor run of form this season, Shearer brought up striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United over the summer. The former England captain suggested that the uncertainty surrounding the Norwegian’s future may have disrupted Wolves early in the campaign, saying:

“I don’t suspect this Strand Larsen thing helped either — when it was touch and go and Newcastle were coming in.”

Before Shearer could continue, Micah Richards quickly interrupted with a cheeky dig:

“Newcastle? You’re talking about Liverpool unsettling Isak — but you unsettled Strand Larsen yourselves!”

Richards’ jab referred to Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak earlier in the summer — a saga that ended with the Swedish striker completing a £125 million move to Anfield, a record fee for the Merseyside club.

Never one to let a challenge go unanswered, Shearer immediately fired back with a grin:

“I never mentioned that at all — you brought that up,” he said, laughing off the accusation.

Richards, playing up to the banter, quipped in response:

“It’s alright when it works in your favour, isn’t it?”

The Strand Larsen Transfer Saga

Jørgen Strand Larsen was one of Newcastle’s top attacking targets during the summer window after an impressive 2024/25 campaign in which he scored 14 Premier League goals. The Magpies were eager to bring him to St James’ Park as part of their attacking rebuild following Isak’s departure.

However, Wolves manager Vítor Pereira made it clear that he wanted to keep hold of the Norwegian forward, describing him as “a player with character” and “very important for us.” Speaking to the press at the time, Pereira said:

“If it’s my decision, of course we will keep him. He’s very important — not just technically or tactically, but for his character. I can imagine what he’s feeling with all the rumours, but he’s remained committed.”

Despite Newcastle’s interest and several reported bids, Wolves stood firm, keeping Strand Larsen at Molineux. Unfortunately for the player and his club, that decision hasn’t paid off yet — the 25-year-old has managed just one goal in seven Premier League appearances this season.

Mixed Fortunes for Isak and Newcastle’s New Signings

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak’s blockbuster transfer to Liverpool has yet to yield the results the Reds expected. The Swedish striker has made four Premier League appearances without scoring, registering just one assist so far. His only goal in a Liverpool shirt came in the Carabao Cup against Southampton back in September.

Newcastle, for their part, moved swiftly to fill the void left by Isak. Eddie Howe’s side brought in Yoane Wissa from Brentford and German forward Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart. While Wissa has been sidelined with a knee injury since arriving, Woltemade has quickly become a fan favourite — scoring six goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.

That form continued in midweek as Newcastle secured a 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Fabian Schär and Woltemade finding the net. The result marked the Magpies’ fourth win in their last five matches, a run that has reignited optimism among supporters.

Looking Ahead

Eddie Howe’s men will now shift their focus back to Premier League action, as they prepare to take on a struggling West Ham United side at the London Stadium this Sunday. Confidence is high in the Newcastle camp, and with new signings beginning to find their rhythm, the Magpies will be aiming to keep their momentum going heading into the busy winter schedule.