Pathetic from Paul Scholes – Arrogant and classless after Newcastle lift Carabao Cup

Newcastle United’s triumphant victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup Final has left Geordies around the world in a state of euphoria, with many still celebrating or recovering from the festivities.

The long-awaited win, which ended a 70-year trophy drought, has lifted an immense weight off the shoulders of the club and its loyal fanbase. From San Diego to Melbourne, and back to Tyneside, the outpouring of love and pride for Newcastle’s deserved victory over the champions-elect has been overwhelming.

However, not everyone has shared in the joy, as former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes delivered a tone-deaf comment that has sparked widespread criticism.

During a recent episode of The Overlap, Scholes was asked whether Eddie Howe deserves to be celebrated as a hero on Tyneside following the Carabao Cup triumph. His dismissive response—“It’s only the League Cup, f** h, everyone tries to get knocked out of it all year”—revealed a glaring lack of understanding of what the victory meant to Newcastle fans.

While the suggestion of erecting a statue for Howe may seem premature to some, Scholes’ flippant remark completely missed the emotional and historical significance of the moment for a fanbase that has endured decades of disappointment.

Scholes’ comment underscores why his punditry often falls flat. His take was poorly researched, poorly conceived, and poorly delivered, demonstrating a lack of empathy for the context of Newcastle’s achievement.

For a club that has waited 70 years to lift a major trophy, the Carabao Cup win is far more than just another piece of silverware—it’s a symbol of hope, progress, and the end of a painful era.

To dismiss it as insignificant is to ignore the profound impact it has had on Newcastle’s supporters, many of whom have never experienced such a moment in their lifetimes.

Context is everything when discussing how people react to events. A Manchester United fan like Scholes, who grew up watching his club dominate English football, may view the League Cup as a minor trophy.

However, for Newcastle fans, who have endured years of mediocrity and near-misses, this victory is monumental. It’s worth noting that even Manchester United, a club with a storied history, relied on the League Cup to break a trophy drought just two seasons ago. Scholes’ failure to recognize this irony only highlights his detachment from the realities of clubs outside the traditional elite.

Scholes’ dismissive attitude may also stem from his own club’s struggles this season. Manchester United are languishing near the relegation zone, with little to show for their efforts. His bitterness is palpable, and his comments reflect a lack of grace in the face of another club’s success.

A more thoughtful pundit might have taken a moment to reflect on how Scholes himself felt when Manchester United ended their 26-year wait for a league title in 1993. That moment was transformative for United fans, much like the Carabao Cup win is for Newcastle supporters today.

Of course, Scholes’ punditry has often been criticized for its lack of depth and insight. His latest remark is just another example of why many fans take his opinions with a grain of salt.

While some might argue that his comments are not worth the breath used to utter them, the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the context of a club’s journey.

For Newcastle fans, the Carabao Cup victory is a moment to cherish, a reward for decades of loyalty and patience. It’s a testament to the progress made under Eddie Howe and a sign of brighter days ahead.

As the celebrations continue, Scholes’ dismissive comment will likely be forgotten, but the joy and pride felt by Geordies around the world will endure. After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United have finally returned to the winners’ circle, and no amount of cynicism can diminish the significance of that achievement.