Newcastle United were held by League One side Rochdale in the FA Cup meaning a replay is to take place later this month - and Alan Shearer believes it was a fair outcome.
The Magpies' all-time record goalscorer would have watched on in horror as the club's record signing Joelinton failed to find the net in the Third Round tie, and was then criticised by fans for a lack of effort.
Earlier in the week, Shearer had urged the current number nine to do more but his pleas had no impact on a disappointing day at the Spotland Stadium.
Newcastle had taken the lead through Miguel Almiron after 17 minutes, the Paraguayan taking a touch to control Christian Atsu's cut back before firing into the roof of the net.
Joelinton then was guilty of missing two good chances - firing wide, and tamely forcing David Sanchez, who also saved from Yoshinori Muto, into a stop on the half-time whistle.
Rochdale came out in the second half a changed side and finally drew the scores level with 40-year-old Aaron Wilbraham tapping home from close range after Joelinton had lost the ball.
Oliver Rathborne had the chance to seal the game for Rochdale but dragged his shot wide of the target at the dead.
Shearer about the replay which is due to be played in between the Magpies' game against Wolves and Chelsea, said Rochdale 'deserved it.'
