ALAN SHEARER has been left red-faced after his bold prediction about Sunderland came back to bite him.
The Newcastle legend previously claimed he wanted the Black Cats to be promoted in 2024-25 because it would mean his beloved Magpies get “six points guaranteed”.
But Regis Le Bris’ side famously did the double over Newcastle the following season and then finished above them in the Prem.
Sunderland came seventh and qualified for the the Europa League for the first time, while Newcastle came a disappointing 12th.
Shearer was reminded of his prediction after Betfair unveiled their ‘Wall of Shame’ on Wembley Way.
The installation saw some of the worst takes in football immortalised on the famous road leading up to Wembley Stadium.
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Shearer responded: “What fool said that? Let’s hope I was just 12 months early in my prediction.
“It will be a more challenging season for Sunderland this year than it was last year.
“I do think it will be tougher times for Newcastle as well and we’ll have to be patient. So, let’s wait and see.
“We all think we know what’s going to happen. But even the best of us can completely miss the mark.”
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Betfair’s Sam Rosbottom added: “Football is a game of opinions, some sensible and accurate, some spectacularly, unforgivably wrong.
“Fans, pundits, managers, players… we all have our say. Most of our views on the beautiful game don’t turn out to be quite accurate.
“We’ve only had one round of the new Premier League season, but already we’ve seen fans’ hope, dreams and aspirations for their teams shattered in 90 minutes.
“Man United are back… only to lose against newly promoted Hull City, Spurs are going for it this season… only to be humbled 3-0 by London rivals Brentford. Life comes at you fast in football.”
Newcastle have a new look team this season after losing manager Eddie Howe, plus top stars like Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
But the Magpies have had a good start under new boss Matthias Jaissle after drawing with Liverpool 2-2 and beating Tottenham 2-0.
Sunderland, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 by newly-promoted Ipswich and then won 1-0 against Fulham.