Jamie Carragher has blasted a section of Liverpool supporters for their criticism of Michael Owen over the years.
The former England striker has come under heavy fire from members of the Anfield faithful for a number of reasons, including his departure for Real Madrid and decision to play for fierce rivals Manchester United late in his career.
Carragher, a former teammate of Owen at Liverpool and current Sky Sports pundit, has torn into those Liverpool fans who have criticised the ex-centre forward and insisted there are many others who have worn the club’s red shirt who deserve to come under fire.
Carragher told the Mirror: “There’s no doubt, in speaking to Michael, he’s been desperate to do this book and get a lot off his chest for a while. That is mainly down to his decision to leave Liverpool and, years later, join Manchester United.
“I must say I think some of the stick from Liverpool fans is bang out of order considering what he did for the club and the reaction other players get who did nothing for Liverpool.
“It hurts Michael and his family, but hopefully this book will let people know the real story and why he came to these decisions. My only hope in reading it is he doesn’t go into too much detail about the Liverpool FC Christmas parties!”
Opinion
You can understand why Carragher is unhappy with the Liverpool fans’ treatment of his old teammate but at the same time, Owen is a player who has not shown an awful lot of loyalty throughout his career. Respect is earned, not automatically dished out and it is clear there are plenty out there who do not feel the way Carragher thinks they should about the former England man. Is that ever going to change? Probably not and Carragher might be wise to recognise that before he comes out and blasts the support that cheered his name for years. He does not need to worry about how the likes of Owen are being treated by the fans – the former striker has made his bed and lay in it. Will this book of his change people’s minds? He will have to come out with some significant anecdotes proving his loyalty to the Reds if that is to be the case.
