PARTIZAN: Shearer Speaks Out After United Loose

By Matthew Jones
August 28 2003

Alan Shearer has admitted that Newcastle United's Champions League exit is "a bitter pill to swallow." - Shearer missed a penalty, along with three other teammates, as Partizan Belgarde beat the Toon at St James' Park.

Shearer said: "It's bitterly disappointing and it's a big blow to the club, to the fans and to the players as individuals as we so wanted to be back in the Champions League.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow but it's important that we regroup now and don't let it affect us too much.

"We have to roll our sleeves up and show a bit of character.

"Sometimes you have to be gracious in defeat and, as much as it hurts, say well done to opposition.

"Partizan were a decent side and they actually played better over here than they did in Belgrade.

"They did their homework and sat deep so we could not get in behind them.

"The lads who took the penalties showed plenty of character. It's not easy and it's not nice to miss.

"I thought we might have got out of jail when we missed our first three and then they missed to take it into sudden death.

"You start thinking maybe it will be your night, but it wasn't to be."

---