Sam Allardyce’s behaviour has made England the laughing stock of world football, according to former Three Lions skippers Alan Shearer.
The 61-year-old saw his contract terminated by mutual agreement with the Football Association on Tuesday, after barely two months as manager and just one match in charge.
Allardyce was caught out by undercover Daily Telegraph reporters, making a host of controversial remarks including expressing his views on the outlawed practice of third-party ownership, suggesting there was a way to “get around it”.
Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m staggered at the misjudgement from a guy who openly admitted that it was his dream job. I’m angry at the whole situation.
Still stunned. Staggering misjudgment by Sam. I thought post Euros @England had hit an all-time low but this has to be rock bottom.
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 27, 2016
“I didn’t think England could stoop any lower from what happened in the summer in the Euros (losing) to Iceland. And now, here we are. We’re a laughing stock of world football.”
Meanwhile, former footballers and sporting stars took to Twitter to make their feelings known:
Sam Allardyce has lost his job as England manager. No one, though, will ever beat his game winning percentage.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 27, 2016
Can't believe that England need another new manager!
Not too many England managers left their post with a 100% win record!!— michael owen (@themichaelowen) September 27, 2016
The England job has become a farce ….comical even.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 27, 2016
Sam Sam Sammmm ððð
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) September 27, 2016
Would it not have been sufficient punishment for Sam Allardyce by keeping him in charge of the England national team?!?! ð
— IAN PAUL JOY (@JOYPAULIAN) September 27, 2016
Staggering mis-judgement by Sam,feel for him,correct decision @FA ,importance to surround yourself with the right people is the main lesson
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) September 27, 2016
Can't believe the @OfficialBigSam news. Nothing should shock me anymore in this game but that has. Nowt wrong with 1 game for England mind!ð
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) September 27, 2016
I don't think the job has become a farce but the erratic behaviour of some of the people in charge has https://t.co/fzUo5XOtrX
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) September 27, 2016
The FA had no choice but to sack #SamAllardyce. It would have been uproar if they hadn't. Who is up for the job now? ð¤
— Kelly Sotherton (@KellySotherton) September 27, 2016
Allardyce appeared willing to pursue a £400,000 deal to address investors in the Far East, when he spoke to the undercover reporters who were posing as businessmen.
In a statement on Tuesday, Allardyce confirmed he was stepping down, saying: “This afternoon, I met with Greg Clarke and Martin Glenn and offered a sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions.
“Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need the FA’s full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment.
“As part of today’s meeting, I was asked to clarify what I said and the context in which the conversations took place. I have co-operated fully in this regard.
“I also regret my comments with regard to other individuals.”
