Former Newcastle United striker and football pundit Alan Shearer has publicly apologized to Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey after controversially awarding the Man of the Match honor to Bruno Fernandes instead of the Fulham star.

Bassey delivered a standout performance in Fulham’s dramatic FA Cup victory over Manchester United on Sunday, scoring the opening goal and putting on a defensive masterclass. His rock-solid display helped the Cottagers secure a historic 4-3 penalty shootout win after Fernandes had equalized for United.

However, Shearer’s decision to name Fernandes as the Man of the Match didn’t sit well with Bassey, who reacted on social media. Addressing the situation on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted his choice was influenced by timing constraints.

“I thought Calvin Bassey was outstanding. The issue with Man of the Match is that you have to announce it five minutes before the end. I was torn—what do I do? I had to pick before the penalties," Shearer explained.

“I felt Bruno dragged United back into the game with that one moment of brilliance and his probing passes. But if I had been able to wait until after the penalties, it could’ve gone to [goalkeeper] Bernd Leno, and perhaps it should have gone to Calvin Bassey, who was absolutely superb at centre-half.”

Shearer’s acknowledgment comes as a nod to Bassey’s immense contribution to Fulham’s triumph, proving once again why the Nigerian international is a rising star in European football.