Newcastle United fans have hit back at football legend Paul Scholes after his dismissive reaction to a suggestion that Eddie Howe deserves a statue at the club.
The suggestion came after Howe led Newcastle to their historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, which ended a 70-year trophy drought for the club.
Scholes’ Response Stirs Anger Among Newcastle Supporters
The controversy started when a Newcastle fan on The Overlap Fan Debate podcast asked Scholes whether Howe should be honored with a statue after guiding the club to its first major trophy in decades.
Scholes’ response, which included a chuckle before he said, “You won the League Cup, f***ing hell! Everyone tries to get knocked out of that all year!” was met with criticism from the fanbase.
Despite the Newcastle supporter’s attempts to explain his point, Scholes and co-host Adam McKola laughed off the suggestion, with McKola adding a sarcastic comment about getting a statue ready for Erik Ten Hag instead.
This dismissive response didn’t sit well with many Newcastle fans, who were quick to voice their displeasure on social media.
Fans React to Scholes’ ‘Arrogant’ and ‘Classless’ Comments
Newcastle supporters expressed their anger on social platforms, accusing Scholes of being out of touch and arrogant.
One fan called his response “absolutely rank” and “completely classless,” pointing out that for Newcastle fans, ending a 70-year trophy drought was an emotional milestone that deserved to be celebrated.
Another user emphasized that the significance of winning a domestic cup was relative, especially for clubs like Newcastle that have not experienced consistent success like the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
A third comment, from an Arsenal fan, criticized Scholes’ “football snobbery,” explaining that success at different clubs should be recognized differently.
They argued that Howe’s achievement with Newcastle, securing the club’s first major trophy in six decades, certainly warranted recognition, including the possibility of a statue.
Emotional Response From Eddie Howe After Victory
Eddie Howe’s reaction to the Carabao Cup win was deeply emotional.
In an interview, he reflected on the sacrifices made by his family and the support from loved ones that helped him reach this point in his career.
Holding back tears, he shared how the victory meant so much not only to him but also to his family, especially his mother and late family members.
Howe, who has turned Newcastle into serious contenders during his tenure, expressed his pride in giving the club and its supporters something to celebrate after decades of disappointment.
Scholes’ Legendary Career and Ongoing Criticism
Paul Scholes, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Manchester United, winning 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and two Champions Leagues, faced backlash for his insensitive remarks.
Many Newcastle fans felt that his criticism was out of touch with the emotional significance of the victory for the club’s supporters.
As Howe continues to make strides in his managerial career, Scholes’ comments serve as a reminder of the divides in how success is perceived across different football clubs.
For Newcastle fans, this cup victory is more than just another trophy—it’s the end of a long wait, and they believe Howe’s contribution to the club deserves recognition.