Shearer threatens John Obi with lawyers after pundit's false claim on The Rest Is Football

Alan Shearer called out Mikel John Obi for a false claim on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football, threatening to send in his lawyers unless the former Chelsea midfielder issued a formal apology — all in good humour alongside host Gary Lineker.

The exchange was sparked by remarks John Obi had made the previous evening, in which he alleged that Shearer was a dirty player who used his elbows, and that he had even asked John Terry to shield him from Shearer’s physical presence at St James’ Park.

Shearer was quick to expose the flaw in the story. “Last night you said I was dirty, I used my elbows and you used to get John Terry at St. James’ Park to make you stand in front of me because I was always standing on your toes,” the Newcastle United legend said. “Yet, we found out you didn’t even f*g play at St. James’ Park until I retired. I retired in the May and you didn’t sign for Chelsea until the end of July 2006. Explain it, either an apology or my lawyers are coming after you!”

John Obi attempted to wriggle out of the corner with a quip of his own, suggesting he had confused Shearer with another bald-headed striker. Lineker piled on, joking that the player John Obi was actually thinking of was former Manchester City forward Antoine Sibierski.

The former Nigeria international ultimately relented, delivering the apology Shearer had demanded. “Big Al, sorry about that, send your lawyers to me, I’m waiting,” John Obi said, tongue firmly in cheek.

The moment was a lighthearted highlight from a podcast that has built a large following on the back of candid, unscripted banter between its three hosts, who between them boast careers spanning the Premier League, international football, and broadcasting.