Newcastle United fans had every reason to celebrate after their team’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
The win, secured by goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, ended a painful 70-year wait for silverware.
It was a night of joy and relief for the Magpies, with supporters celebrating deep into the night, savoring the long-overdue success.
Statue Debate Ignites Controversy
Following the victory, some Newcastle fans suggested that manager Eddie Howe deserved a statue for his role in guiding the club to this historic triumph.
However, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes had little time for the idea, shutting it down in blunt fashion.
During an episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, a Newcastle supporter posed the question, “Does Eddie Howe deserve a statue?” Scholes, before even responding, burst into laughter.
Still grinning, he scoffed, “You won the League Cup, f***ing hell! Everyone tries to get knocked out of that all year!”
His reaction was met with further mockery from fellow panelist and Manchester United fan Adam McKola, who added, “We’ll start getting the [Erik] Ten Hag one ready!”
Newcastle Fans Fire Back
Scholes’ dismissive response did not sit well with Newcastle supporters, who took to social media to voice their frustration.
Many labeled him “arrogant” and “classless” for downplaying the significance of the club’s achievement.
One fan tweeted, “That response from Scholes is absolutely rank.
Arrogant, out of touch, and completely classless.
Ending that 70-year wait was always going to bring out raw emotion after generations of heartbreak.
If Newcastle can’t celebrate that, what’s the point?”
Another user called the comments “embarrassing,” insisting that Newcastle fans had every right to celebrate however they pleased.
“If they think Eddie Howe deserves a statue, then he deserves a statue,” they wrote.
It wasn’t just Newcastle fans who found Scholes’ remarks distasteful.
An Arsenal supporter chimed in, “Massive sign of football snobbery.
Success at different clubs isn’t the same.
First trophy in six decades—he definitely deserves a statue.
Otherwise, only title-winning managers would qualify, which is nonsense.”
Others pointed out that Newcastle’s struggle for silverware made this victory all the more meaningful.
“To Man Utd and Liverpool, winning a League Cup is a bi-annual event.
To us, it’s the end of seven decades of torment. Success is relative. The pros, of all people, should recognize that.”
Howe’s Emotional Reaction
While Scholes and some rival fans downplayed the importance of Newcastle’s triumph, Eddie Howe himself was overwhelmed by the moment.
The Newcastle boss was visibly emotional as he reflected on what the win meant to him personally and to the club.
“You naturally think of the players, the staff, but also the people who aren’t with you,” Howe said.
“For me, that’s my mum and other family members. You remember all the sacrifices they made to give you the chance for a good life.
I’ve always wanted to make my family proud, and now I have three boys—I want to make them proud, too.”
A Legacy of Success, But a Divisive Opinion
As a player, Paul Scholes enjoyed an illustrious career, winning 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and two Champions League trophies.
His success at Manchester United, however, may have shaped his perspective on what constitutes a major achievement, making it harder for him to appreciate Newcastle’s long-awaited moment of glory.
Whether or not Eddie Howe deserves a statue is up for debate, but one thing is clear—Newcastle fans won’t soon forget the night they finally lifted a trophy again.