Shearer sending-off overturned

Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has had his red card overturned by the Football Association after being sent off for allegedly using his elbow on Charlton defender Jon Fortune on Saturday.

Shearer was dismissed after Fortune fell to the ground, but the decision angered Magpies manger Bobby Robson.

Former England captain Shearer protested his innocence after the game and the club successfully appealed to the Football Association today.

Meanwhile, Charlton have leapt to the defence of centre-half Jon Fortune who has been criticised over the sending off of Shearer.

The 21-year-old defender was making only his second Premiership appearance after coming on as a substitute when Shearer was sent off after allegedly elbowing him.

Addicks manager Alan Curbishley said: "Jon was caught in the throat by Alan Shearer which is why he went down and stayed down.

"It is absolute nonsense to suggest that Jon acted dishonestly, which would be completely out of character.

"Maybe the referee could also look at the blatant penalty for handball we didn't get.

"Sometimes officials make mistakes and you have to live with that, but blaming Jon is completely unfair."