Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer swapped football for rugby on Friday night as he watched Newcastle Red Bulls face Sale Sharks at Kingston Park.

The former England captain was spotted in the stands during the Gallagher PREM clash, with TNT Sports cameras picking him out.

And there was a good reason for his visit.

Shearer's son-in-law, England international Joe Marchant, now plays for Sale Sharks after returning from France this summer. We hope he was still supporting Newcastle.

The former Harlequins centre married Shearer's daughter Hollie earlier this year.

TNT Sports shared footage of Shearer watching the action, although some viewers were less than impressed by the attention he received.

One fan wrote: "Can you please stop focusing on shearer, how about keeping the camera on the game."

Another joked: "Would imagine the one his son in law played for."

Shearer's rugby family keeps growing

Marchant, 30, returned to English rugby this season after three years with Stade Français.

The centre earned 26 England caps before his move abroad and hopes to force his way back into Steve Borthwick's plans.

As RUCK reported in August, Marchant married Hollie Shearer following their engagement in Paris.

But he isn't the only rugby player in the family.

The Newcastle icon has previously joked about his daughters choosing rugby players over footballers.

"I'm just glad it's not a footballer," he said.

For a man who scored 260 Premier League goals, it seems rugby has well and truly taken over the family.

Five facts about Alan Shearer you might not know

1. His Premier League record is still untouchable

Shearer scored a ridiculous 260 Premier League goals. Not bad for a lad from Newcastle. He hung up his boots in 2006, and nobody has managed to catch him since.

2. He snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United came calling in 1996, but Shearer had other ideas. He turned down the chance to join Ferguson's all-conquering side and signed for boyhood club Newcastle instead. The fee? A world-record £15million.

3. He actually won the Premier League with Blackburn

Newcastle fans might not enjoy this reminder. Shearer's only Premier League title came with Blackburn Rovers in 1995. He smashed in 34 league goals as Kenny Dalglish's side stunned the big boys.

4. He was making history at just 17

Shearer was still a teenager when he bagged a hat-trick against Arsenal in 1988. At just 17 years and 240 days old, he became the youngest player to score a top-flight hat-trick. Some way to announce yourself.

5. He went from goal drought to Golden Boot

Shearer went almost two years without scoring for England before Euro 96. Then, when it mattered most, he found his shooting boots. Five goals, the Golden Boot and a place in the semi-finals. Typical Shearer.