Jermain Defoe fires back at Shearer

JERMAIN DEFOE FIRES BACK AT ALAN SHEARER OVER SUNDERLAND RELEGATION WISHES

July 7, 2025 – Sunderland, UK

Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has hit back at Alan Shearer after the Newcastle legend publicly expressed disappointment over Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League — even joking that he hopes the Black Cats go “straight back down.”

Defoe, a cult hero on Wearside and one of the club’s most beloved modern players, didn’t mince words in his response, calling Shearer’s comments “bitter, petty, and disrespectful.”

 Defoe Hits Back

Speaking during a Q&A at a Sunderland community event, Defoe was asked about Shearer’s comments, which were made during a Premier League season preview on a national podcast.

“I don’t find it funny at all,” Defoe said bluntly.

“When a former England captain and respected figure says something like that — wishing relegation on a club, on the fans, on a city — it’s disappointing. It’s bitterness, simple as that. Sunderland have earned this moment and they deserve respect.”

 What Shearer Said

Shearer, a proud Newcastle United icon, was speaking on a football show earlier this week when he said:

“Fair play, Sunderland are back… but let’s be honest, we all want them to go straight back down.”

While some fans saw it as lighthearted rivalry, others — including Sunderland supporters and now Defoe — viewed it as crossing the line.

 More Than a Club for Defoe

Defoe, who scored 37 goals for Sunderland across all competitions and built a deep bond with the club’s supporters — particularly through his emotional relationship with the late Bradley Lowery — emphasized that Sunderland’s rise means more than football.

“I’ve seen what this club means to people. I’ve seen the tears, the pride, the passion. So no, I won’t sit quietly when someone — even a great like Shearer — disrespects that.”

 Fans React

Sunderland fans have overwhelmingly backed Defoe on social media, praising him for defending the club’s honour.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Jermaine Defoe gets us. He’s always got us. He’ll always be one of us.”

 A Rivalry Rekindled?

With Sunderland and Newcastle now both in the Premier League for the first time since 2016, the Tyne-Wear derby is officially back — and the war of words is already heating up.

The Premier League fixture list has yet to confirm the date, but one thing is certain:

When Sunderland face Newcastle this season, the rivalry won’t just be on the pitch — it’ll be personal.