“HE WAS OBVIOUSLY DESPERATE, BUT THE REFEREE WAS NOT A LEEDS FAN” – Alan Shearer slams Leeds United star for overly celebrating an offside goal.
Alan Shearer has sparked fresh controversy after delivering a brutal assessment of Dominic Calvert-Lewin following Leeds United’s goalless draw away to Liverpool at Anfield. The former England striker and Premier League legend did not hold back as he criticised the Leeds forward for what he described as a “desperate and embarrassing” reaction after celebrating a goal that was clearly offside.
The incident occurred in the 81st minute when Calvert-Lewin, introduced from the bench, thought he had snatched a dramatic late winner. The striker wheeled away in celebration in front of the travelling Leeds supporters, only for the assistant referee’s flag to immediately go up. VAR quickly confirmed the decision, ruling the goal out for offside and restoring the 0–0 scoreline.
Speaking shortly after the match, Shearer dismissed any suggestion of controversy and instead turned his attention to Calvert-Lewin’s conduct.
“He was obviously desperate, but the referee was not a Leeds fan,” Shearer said. “It was offside. Clear as day. You can’t celebrate like you’ve just won the league and then act surprised when the flag goes up.”
Shearer went further, suggesting the striker’s reaction reflected growing pressure rather than genuine belief the goal would stand.
“That celebration tells you everything,” he continued. “That’s frustration, not confidence. When a striker is flying, he knows when he’s onside. When he’s struggling, he hopes. That was hope.”
The comments have divided opinion among fans. Some Leeds supporters felt Shearer was unnecessarily harsh, arguing that Calvert-Lewin’s reaction showed hunger and desire in a tough away fixture. Others, however, admitted the celebration looked premature and only added to the sense of tension surrounding the striker’s form.
Liverpool fans and neutrals largely backed Shearer’s view, pointing out that the offside decision was never in doubt and that VAR applied the law correctly.
The draw itself was seen as a disciplined result for Leeds at Anfield, but the moment has quickly become the main talking point of the night. Calvert-Lewin’s cameo was meant to be a late spark, yet instead it has reignited debate about confidence, pressure, and expectations surrounding the forward.
With scrutiny intensifying and pundits sharpening their knives, Shearer’s words have ensured that what should have been a routine offside decision has turned into another flashpoint in Leeds United’s season narrative.
