Earlier today, we wrote a story based on a snippet of Michael Owen's new incendiary autobiography, which is scheduled for release on September 5.
The story concerned a particular run-in with Newcastle chairman Freddy Sheppard during Owen's time at Newcastle. In the book, Owen expands on his time at St James's Park, expressing that he still regrets the transfer to the North East of England.
The quotes regarding Owen's view on his Newcastle transfer were published in The Mirror, with one particular morsel being particularly provocative.
The fans never knew anything about any of the behind-the-scenes goings on which occurred during my time there but my relationship with them was damaged beyond repair when I was knocked out against Watford.
When I got home, I switched on Match Of The Day to watch the game and I could hear Newcastle fans, my fans, singing ‘what a waste of money!' as I’m being stretchered off.
I can’t deny their actions that day changed things for me. No longer was I even going to attempt to ingratiate myself with the fans. Instead, I flipped it in a slightly more resentful way thinking, I don’t need to justify myself to fucking Newcastle fans.
These quotes got on the nerves of one Alan Shearer, Newcastle legend and Owen's former international teammate.
Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week..... @nufc https://t.co/bzzEDdjdN1 pic.twitter.com/I4CdsQcKKr
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 3, 2019
Owen was quick to clap back at the Match of the Day pundit. He brings up a time in Shearer's career when he wanted out of St James's Park.
Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate. I distinctly remember you being inches away from signing for Liverpool after Sir Bobby Robson put you on the bench. You tried everything to get out. https://t.co/ZQBrlojeEv
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 3, 2019
This spat came on the radar of Gary Lineker, who decided to interject with a simple 'Awkward' following by an emoji, just to signify that he thought the tiff was funny.
Owen showed no signs of slowing down. He quoted Lineker's tweet to let everyone know that Alan Shearer isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Are you surprised he’s manipulated a tiny part of an honest answer to aim a cheap dig at me? Most ex players I’ve spoken to aren’t. https://t.co/09vfTwvPYV
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 3, 2019
Lineker again responded, questioning the history Owen and Shearer have. It's a history which includes Alan Shearer questioning Owen's attitude whilst at Newcastle. This was in response to Owen talking about his fear of injury in the later days of his playing career, stymying how he played.
Owen has made a general statement on the headlines that have arisen in the aftermath of his book's release.
My new book has made plenty of headlines this morning but they need to be put into context. I’ve stayed quiet for years whilst receiving plenty of criticism but there are two sides to every story. Once you’ve read the book you’ll make your own decision....
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 3, 2019
The beef between two of England best ever strikers is one we're absolutely here for. It hard to know how this scrap will play out. One thing's for sure, it's very surprising to see Michael Owen in such confrontational form...
