Paul Scholes Slams Martin Keown Over ‘Biased’ Arsenal Commentary

Paul Scholes reignites Arsenal Debate after claiming Martin Keown TNT Sports commentary sounded overly biased during the Villa defeat.

Paul Scholes publicly criticized Martin Keown commentary style after TNT Sports coverage of Arsenal 2–1 defeat at Aston Villa. Scholes said Keown sounded overly partisan and compared his approach to in‑house club broadcasting, reigniting a debate about impartiality in football punditry

Scholes made the comments on Instagram, comparing Keown’s tone to that of Paddy Crerand — the long-standing voice of MUTV. He implied that ex-players with strong club ties often struggle to separate loyalty from objective analysis when working on national broadcasts.

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The former United star argued that Keown’s approach resembled Crerand’s style on MUTV, which is unapologetically partisan. Scholes noted that impartiality becomes difficult for club legends who transition into commentary while still maintaining deep emotional ties to the team.

His remarks quickly gained traction across social media, prompting fans from both clubs to weigh in on the debate.

Arsenal’s Villa defeat adds fuel to the debate

The discussion was amplified by the timing of Keown’s commentary. Arsenal’s dramatic 2–1 defeat at Villa Park on December 7, 2025, created a highly emotional backdrop. Keown, a former Invincible and club icon, was tasked with co-commentary on a match where Arsenal suffered a costly setback in the Premier League title race.

This context made Scholes’ claims of bias more noticeable to both viewers and pundits.

The incident reignited the long-running conversation about neutrality in football broadcasting. Former players often provide unmatched insight, yet their loyalty can sometimes colour their delivery. Critics argue that broadcasters must find the right balance to maintain credibility.

Supporters of more passionate punditry, however, claim that club-aligned commentary brings flavour and energy — especially in matches involving big rivalries.

Mixed reactions across the football world

Reactions were divided. Some fans agreed with Scholes, saying Keown sounded overly protective of Arsenal, while others defended the former defender, insisting that passion is part of what makes him compelling on air.

Regardless, the episode highlighted the ongoing challenge for broadcasters: managing the expectations placed on ex-professionals who carry strong loyalties into national media roles.

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