Justin Whittle Day

By: Paul Neal
Date: 23/10/2006

OCTOBER 26 2005: Justin Whittle day. The day that Alan Shearer finally got his comeuppance. And who was the man to deliver it? None other than our own Justin Whittle. (Apologies to Hull City fans for any artistic licence in using the word "our").

The PC brigade need not read on at this point, but I’m sure that most Town fans are with me on this...

Shearer has always been happy to mix it, whinging that the big boys don’t like the "in ya face" approach. Fair point, but what happens when Newcastle become the big boys eh, Alan? Lets see. Early, trademark elbow on poor Whitts (accident of course, you understand) - Shearer thought nothing of allegedly saying (I haven’t made this bit up) "Plenty more where that came from". Ha, wrong bloke.

Using commendable patience, Whitts picked his moment and then struck his elbow beautifully into Shearer’s face - in full view of the Premiership ref and Lower Smiths. Bulls eye - witness the blood pouring from Shearer’s stupid mouth and his predictable whinge to the ref. Yeah, disgraceful, makes us ashamed to be Town fans. Obvious red card, really. Oh dear, the ref hasn’t read the script. Obviously an accident then. Whitts said as much afterwards; Sladey saw no reason to dispute this either. So there we have it.

Still, the press would back up Shearer, wouldn’t they? Ex England international, and who’s Justin Whittle? Just a lower League clogger out to make a name for himself. No brainer really. So imagine the shock for poor Alan Shearer when the press actually backed Whitts (well most of them anyway, including several Sunday broadsheets). Why, Shearer had this coming to him; happy to give but not to receive; showed no grace in refusing Whitts’ handshake after the match; demeaned himself by openly saying that he wanted to "stick one on" Whitts; etc etc. Did Shearer not know Whitts was ex forces? I think he did, judging by his refusal to actually confront Whitts by the tunnel.

Next time you watch Match of the Day or an England match on BBC, look out for a little scar above Shearer’s mouth (just left of middle). That’s a reminder of Grimsby Town 2005 and Justin Whittle. We are Town!

Grimsby Town fans obviously cannot condone violence, blah blah, etc etc.....

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