Sunday 6 March 2016 15:04, UK
Paul Merson admits Newcastle players must find it hard to play at St James' Park, but says Steve McClaren's side must prove they are Premier League standard.
Newcastle are a point from safety after a 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth at home, their ninth defeat in 12 games in all competitions.
And while Merson feels the early anxiety coming from the fans did not help, he admits Newcastle are not performing like a top-flight side.
Merson said on Soccer Saturday: "It must be hard to play at Newcastle. After 10 minutes the crowd were on their backs. They were booing.
"There was a bit of bad luck with the [Steven] Taylor own goal, he didn't mean it, he couldn't do anything about it. You can't help that.
"I haven't heard booing like this. They made a sub early on and the crowd were booing. [Paul Dummett] was injured. You don't take him off and put Jack Colback at left back. McClaren isn't that silly.
"They didn't get beat, they got well beat. You're talking about a team, Bournemouth, who have just come up, nowhere near the stature of club Newcastle are, and you'd have thought it was the other way around. It was a phenomenal performance by Bournemouth.
"[McClaren] is up against it. It reminds me of Sam Allardyce at West Ham. The crowd, whatever you do, it doesn't make any difference.
"These fans have to stick with them. After 10 or 15 minutes, these players went into their shells. They couldn't handle it.
"The fans were on their back. They have to get behind them for the next lot of games. I know it's frustrating and they pay a lot of money to go and watch their team but for these games they have to stick with them."
The Magpies were outplayed at St James' Park and McClaren was subjected to chants of 'you're getting sacked in the morning' from disgruntled home supporters.
Under-pressure McClaren called for his side to show more fight after the defeat, and Merson echoed the Newcastle manager's words as they prepare for the Tyne-Wear derby in two weeks' time after travelling to leaders Leicester.
"These players are Premier League players. They play in the Premier League and get Premier League wages. So step in and play Premier League football and be like a Premier League player and defend like a Premier League player.
"It's alright saying you feel sorry for them but these players are getting good money to come in and do something. Prove that you're good enough. Bournemouth were so much better than them it was beyond a joke.
"They are up against it. Sunderland will be licking their lips going there. Sunderland will be relieved they're playing at Newcastle, Newcastle would be more relieved they were playing away at Sunderland it's that big a football match."
Eddie Howe's Bournemouth, meanwhile, are now 11 points clear of the drop zone in their debut season in the top flight.
Merson was fully of praise for their away performance, and says Newcastle can take note of their style of play.
"Bournemouth are well safe. It's a phenomenal story. Like Leicester winning the league, and being up there, this is a big story them staying up.
"Every week they play the way they believe in, even when they've been beaten. I thought they were outstanding. They all get on the ball, they all pass, they all move. Newcastle should take a leaf out of their book."
