Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has launched a scathing attack on the situation at his former club, describing it as "a mess" and hinting that they could be relegated from the Premier League.

A 3-2 home defeat against Swansea City on Saturday made it seven straight defeats for the Magpies, who sit five only points above the drop zone.

Fan unrest has also plagued St James' Park this season as Newcastle's game against Tottenham Hotspur was played in the shadow of protests and boycotts.

Shearer told BBC Sport: "I feel a bit sorry for John Carver, because he's from the area, he loves the football club. It's just a shame some of his players don't love the football club as much as he does. They're in a mess. They're in trouble.

"I think 35 points might be enough to stay up. I'm looking at Newcastle, and I don't think they're safe yet. Their goal difference is not great either.

"Newcastle will need another point, and then I think they'll be all right, but I don't know where that's going to come from."

Shearer, who played for Newcastle between 1996 and 2006, is widely regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players.