Isak dismisses Shearer's penalty criticism as 'irrelevant' after hostile Newcastle return

Alexander Isak has dismissed Alan Shearer’s criticism over the penalty incident during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle on 23 August, calling the former striker’s comments “a bit irrelevant” and insisting that set-piece responsibilities are internal team matters.

Isak returned to St James’ Park for the first time since his £125 million summer move from Newcastle to Liverpool — a transfer that soured his relationship with the Tyneside fanbase after he refused to play for the Magpies to force through the deal. He was met with sustained booing throughout the match. Liverpool salvaged a point when Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty after Lewis Hall fouled Victor Munoz.

Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football, argued that Isak should have grabbed the ball and taken the spot-kick himself as a show of character. “I was thinking, ‘Come on, you’ve been absolutely battered. Let’s see what you’ve got. Go and grab the ball and take the penalty,’” Shearer said.

Isak, speaking to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen while on international duty, was unmoved. “Szoboszlai was the penalty taker for that match,” he said. “It’s a bit irrelevant. Those are team matters and it’s not for the media or the supporters to decide who should take a penalty.”

He was equally composed about the atmosphere. “I was prepared for the reception, so it was a special match,” he said.

The 27-year-old endured a difficult debut season at Anfield, hampered by a lack of match sharpness and a serious injury. His second campaign has started in sharper form — four goals in five Premier League appearances under Andoni Iraola — and he says the contrast with last year is significant.

“If you compare it to last year, I feel I’m in a much better place now physically and in every possible way,” Isak said. “My first feeling is that we’re more stable defensively. Then we have a lot to improve offensively. The foundations are there and the bar is high.”

Isak is currently with Sweden for an international break that includes four fixtures against Romania (twice), Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He indicated he is fit enough to be used freely by Sweden head coach Graham Potter without any workload restrictions.