Alan Shearer makes Carabao Cup final stance clear as Liverpool faces Newcastle test

 Alan Shearer has made it clear that he'll be at the Carabao Cup final not as a pundit, but as a fan. Despite receiving several offers to cover the game, he's already declined them.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle secured a spot at Wembley with a resounding 4-0 aggregate victory over Arsenal and will now face Liverpool at Wembley. The Reds are aiming to hold onto the trophy they won last season under Jurgen Klopp, while the Magpies hope to break their long-standing silverware drought.

Fans are eagerly awaiting details on ticket allocations, with around 33,000 expected to be available for both sets of supporters.

On the Rest is Football podcast, when Micah Richards queried whether he'd attend the match, Shearer confirmed enthusiastically: "I'll be going to the final, I've had to politely decline two or three requests to work on the final. I'm going as a fan. I can't not be at Wembley and I know it's an if, if Newcastle win a cup! First domestic one in 70 years, if we win it have to be a fan. I've got to be there as a fan. I'm not working."

When Gary Lineker asked if he could join him, Shearer warmly invited his co-podcasters: "More than welcome. I'll get you tickets if you want to come."

Lineker, anticipating high demand, remarked, "Get my request in early because they're going to be much sought after I sense up in Geordie land,".

"They will," replied the Newcastle icon confidently. "There'll be thousands of them. I've already had about four texts saying can you get me tickets please? I honestly have a text off someone, I don't even know the number, asking if I can get him three tickets."