LOVE Island fans think they’ve cracked the reason Michael Owen keeps popping up as a TV pundit – so he doesn’t have to watch his daughter on the show.
The legendary former striker’s 19-year-old girl Gemma entered the Majorca villa of the hit ITV show on Monday night.
However, fans thing Michael might be trying to escape that unwanted attention and coverage of Gemma’s exploits by working as a pundit for the Nations League game in Italy.
The Three Lions were held to a dismal 0-0 bore draw by Italy at Molineux on Saturday.
But the ex-England ace, who scored 40 goals in 89 matches for the Three Lions, also covered the Germany game where he faced jokes and trolling about his daughter’s appearance on the dating show.
Viewers watching the game at home think Michael is throwing himself in to his work to not have to watch his daughter on Love Island.
“Michael Owen taking every job going to avoid any love island chat,” commented one fan on Twitter.
And another added: “Why is Michael Owen suddenly everywhere.”
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Earlier today Michael slammed an under-18 women’s football coach who posted a sickening tweet about his teenage daughter.
The former Real Madrid and Liverpool player voiced fears yesterday about seeing eldest girl Gemma, 19, kissing on the ITV dating show.
But he hit out after Glasgow City FC under-18 academy coach Paul Proud reacted to his fears, Tweeting: “Can’t wait to see her getting smashed.”
The Tweet was followed by a series of laughing emojis, a thumbs up and an ‘ok’ emoji.
Proud – who claimed on Twitter he was an ex-professional player – said he had “resigned” from his position at the club.
But Owen, 42, slammed Proud for his comments.
He said: “What a fine example to set from a man in your responsible position.”
Other Twitter users criticised his comments. One said: “Nice comment from a fella who works with youths.”
Another added: “U18 coach of a girls team too.”
After he was contacted by The Scottish Sun about the comments Proud said he was no longer at the club.
He said: “My account has been deleted and I have resigned from my position with immediate effect so there is no story to run.”
The football legend has also previously opened up about seeing 19-year-old Gemma on the famous ITV2 reality show.
The teenager has faced a viewer backlash on the show, with some viewers slamming her for being “rude” and smug”.
Speaking about the troll comments Michael, 42, told the Daily Mail: “It’s hard because I have three other kids [James, 16, Emily, 14, and Jessica, 12] and this is their sister and they are reading this stuff.
“Louise [my wife] has been very upset about it. You can say, ‘don’t read it’ but that’s very difficult.”
He went on: “I know she’s been used to that sort of thing with me — I’ve had it all my life; to look at my social media feeds you’d think 70 per cent of the world hates me, but it’s different when it’s your daughter. For Louise it’s more difficult.
“She’s the most amazing girl you could meet.
“She’s clever and funny and kind. She’s not two-faced. She’s loyal, a decent person.”
Looking upset, he added: “She’s still our baby. I’m still my parents’ baby and I’m 42! It’s how it is.”
Meanwhile, Gemma was previously paired up with Italian stallion Davide Sanclimenti, 27.
Some viewers found this age gap unacceptable, and threatened too report Love Island to Ofcom.
Fans also claimed that at just 19-years-old, Gemma is “too young” to be on the show, due to the pressure it can cause.
But Michael doesn’t get what all the fuss is about, as he was in the spotlight when he played for Liverpool at just 17.
He told the publication: “She has had two years more than I had to get ready for life in the public eye.
“Also, she’s a mature 19. She’s a bit like me in that regard.
“I was playing for Liverpool when I was 17, and having to make friends with 23, 24, 25-year-olds.”
Michael added: “The bottom line is, she’s an adult and I have to trust her to make sensible decisions.”
Meanwhile, there was a surprise twist in Friday night’s show, when Luca Bish, 23, stole Gemma from Davide in the recoupling.
It’s after Gemma found herself under the spell of Luca, telling him: “I am attracted to you.
“I definitely would want to get to know you.”
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Luca replied: “You stare into my eyes and I just want to stare into yours!”
Davide was left to choose bombshell Ekin-Su.
