Former Newcastle United star Keith Gillespie admits his infamous bust-up in Dublin with Alan Shearer was over tea cups! Gillespie reveals all in 'Keith Gillespie: How Not To Be A Football Millionaire', which is being serialised in the Mirror.

"We were staying in a decent hotel close to Dublin city centre, and went straight from there to Cafe En Seine, an upmarket bar, for an early drink.

"I was in giddy form, and started flicking bottle tops in the direction of other players.

"Alan Shearer got struck by a couple and was getting wound up, which I found enjoyable, so I made him my target and tension brewed.

"It came to a head when I clumsily knocked some cutlery off the table.

"'F***ing pick it up,' Shearer snapped.

"But the lounge girl was already over, clearing up the mess.

"I thought he was talking to me like a small boy, and shouted back.

"Red mist descended.

"We had a bit of a row and, for some reason, I asked him if he wanted to take it outside.

"Madness.

"Cafe En Seine is a long, narrow bar, so it was quite a walk to the front door.

"There was no discussion en route. I was mulling over my next move.

"We emerged onto a busy street, where Sunday afternoon shoppers were going about their business. It didn't deter me from the battle-plan.

"I took a swing at Shearer, but I was punch-drunk and inaccurate.

"He responded with a blow that sent me flying backwards against a plant pot. I cracked my head and entered the blackout zone.

"The next thing I remember is the view from the hospital bed."