Alan Shearer’s Comparison of Newcastle and Celtic’s Fanbases Rings True

Alan Shearer’s recent comments about Newcastle United’s passionate fanbase, likening their devotion to that of Celtic supporters, have struck a chord with football fans across both clubs. Newcastle’s long-awaited Carabao Cup triumph was more than just a victory on the pitch—it was a moment of catharsis for a fanbase that has endured decades of waiting, suffering, and unwavering support.

For Newcastle fans, football is more than just a weekend hobby; it is an all-consuming way of life, passed down through generations. This is a sentiment that resonates deeply with Celtic supporters, whose love for their club transcends football itself. Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, acknowledged that while many clubs have strong and dedicated fanbases, few can match the deep-rooted cultural connection that Newcastle, Celtic, and a handful of other clubs enjoy.

Newcastle’s Long Wait for Glory

Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory was historic, as it marked the club’s first major silverware in 70 years. The win against Liverpool at Wembley, secured through goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, was not just about lifting a trophy—it symbolized years of frustration being washed away in a wave of euphoria. The celebrations that followed, with thousands of fans taking to the streets for an open-top bus parade, showcased the level of devotion that Newcastle supporters have for their club.

Shearer, having experienced the highs and lows of Newcastle football firsthand, perfectly captured the significance of this moment for the supporters. He described how football runs through the veins of the people in Newcastle, comparing it to other deeply football-obsessed cities like Glasgow and Liverpool.

“It’s a life. It is really, honestly. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere in the country where you have nanas and grandas, mums and dads, young kids—everyone wears the black and white shirt like the Newcastle people do. And I think maybe in Liverpool or maybe in Glasgow for Rangers and Celtic, I don’t know, but it is very, very different and unique in Newcastle.”

Shearer’s comparison highlights a key aspect of what makes certain football clubs special. While many teams enjoy strong local support, few have the kind of generational loyalty and all-encompassing cultural significance that clubs like Newcastle and Celtic possess.

Celtic’s Fanbase: A Global Phenomenon

Celtic’s supporters are widely regarded as some of the most passionate and dedicated in world football. Their influence extends far beyond the borders of Glasgow, with supporters’ clubs spanning the globe, from North America to Australia and beyond. Celtic’s fanbase is not just about numbers; it’s about the intensity of their love for the club.

On matchdays, Celtic Park transforms into one of football’s most electrifying arenas. European nights under the lights in Glasgow have become legendary, with opposition players, managers, and pundits frequently acknowledging the unique atmosphere created by the Celtic faithful. The club’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, sung in unison before kickoff, has become one of the most iconic sights and sounds in football.

Celtic fans are not just passionate about supporting their team in victory—they also stand by them in adversity. Whether it’s a tough European campaign, a dip in domestic form, or a period of transition, the support never wavers. Much like Newcastle fans, Celtic supporters see their club as more than just a team; it is a way of life.

The Newcastle-Celtic Connection

There has long been a connection between Newcastle and Celtic, with players and managers frequently being linked between the two clubs. Most notably, in 2021, Eddie Howe was on the verge of becoming Celtic’s manager before eventually taking charge at Newcastle. This decision, in hindsight, has been transformational for Newcastle, as Howe has not only brought silverware to St. James’ Park but has also helped re-establish the club among England’s elite.

Over the years, several players have also been associated with moves between the two clubs, further strengthening the bond between their fanbases. While the clubs operate in different leagues and under different financial constraints, their shared passion for football unites them.

Newcastle’s Triumph vs. Celtic’s Expectations

While Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win represents the breaking of a long-standing curse, Celtic’s success is measured differently. Given their dominance in Scottish football, Hoops supporters expect silverware regularly. Celtic’s history is filled with domestic triumphs, and their biggest aspirations often center around making an impact in European competitions.

However, despite the differences in expectation, the emotion behind each club’s support remains the same. Whether it is Newcastle finally ending a 70-year wait for silverware or Celtic lifting yet another league title, the feeling of elation, pride, and unity among supporters is identical.

Celtic fans know the pain of setbacks, just as Newcastle supporters do. While Newcastle endured years of underachievement in English football, Celtic fans have also had their fair share of challenges—whether it was navigating financial instability in the early 1990s, competing against financially superior European clubs, or responding to the occasional challenge to their domestic dominance. But through it all, the fans have remained a constant force, never wavering in their loyalty.

Shearer’s Recognition of Celtic’s Unique Support

It is always interesting when figures like Shearer acknowledge the magnitude of Celtic’s fanbase. His comments reinforce what Hoops supporters have always known—Celtic Park is one of the greatest footballing arenas in the world, and the supporters who fill it are among the most passionate anywhere.

Shearer’s words also highlight something broader about football’s cultural impact. Clubs like Newcastle and Celtic are not just football teams; they are institutions that define their cities and communities. Football in these places is an identity, something that connects generations and provides a sense of belonging.

While Newcastle and Celtic may not compete directly on the pitch, their fanbases share a common spirit—one of unwavering devotion, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with their club. Whether it’s St. James’ Park erupting in celebration after a long-awaited trophy or Celtic Park shaking with the roar of 60,000 fans on a European night, the passion is unmistakable.

Shearer’s comments serve as a reminder of what makes football truly special. It is not just about trophies, transfers, or tactics—it is about the people who make the game what it is. In that sense, Newcastle and Celtic stand among the elite, not just for their achievements on the pitch, but for the unwavering love and dedication of their supporters.