Joey Barton was sent off for a crude challenge on Xabi Alonso in the second half but the result was already in little doubt, with goals from Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt in the first half and a late header from Lucas sealing it.

Defeat leaves Newcastle deep in the relegation mire, with fellow strugglers and local rivals Middlesbrough next up.

Shearer told Setanta Sports News: "Did anyone really expect us to come here and get anything? I did. We did in the dressing room. Maybe our fans didn't but they came out again in their thousands.

"Whether we had enough to come here and win is a doubt but we felt we could come here and get something out of the game.

"Time is running out but we've still got two very important home games which will decide our fate, no doubt about that.

"The game with Boro...whoever loses that will find it very difficult to come back. But I believe we will get something from our next two home games."

Asked if Barton's lunge deserved a red card, a visibly angry Shearer simply answered: "Yes. He has apologised but it's been done and he is out for the rest of the season."

Pressed on whether he believed the former Manchester City midfielder had let him down, Shearer again answered in the affirmative.