Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has delivered a withering verdict on French winger Laurent Robert following his attack on manager Graeme Souness.

The 30-year-old Frenchman launched a stinging broadside at the Scot after sealing his move to Portsmouth, claiming he will deservedly get the sack if he carries on where he left off at the end of last season.

Souness, who very publicly ditched the £10.5million former Frenchman as last season drew to a close, brushed off Robert's comments, saying only: "I would like to wish Laurent Robert all the best at Portsmouth."

However, Shepherd went significantly further after four years of having to deal with his outbursts.

"You should only say 'good' when somebody leaves," he told Sky Sports. "Laurent Robert has gone. Good."

Souness will have been expecting a backlash from the outspoken former Paris St Germain winger, and while he may be happy to keep his opinions to himself, his club was not prepared to accept Robert's latest outburst.

They were swift to announce his parting shot - he will officially become a Portsmouth player on Friday - has cost him the maximum fine of two weeks' wages.