Michael Owen has called out a football coach for a tweet he posted about 'smashing' his 19-year-old daughter.
As a contestant on the latest season of Love Island, Gemma Owens has attracted a lot of attention online.
While many said she's 'too young' for the ITV reality show, others threatened to complain to Ofcom after she kissed 27-year-old Davide Sanclimenti due to their age gap.
But her dad has been on hand to defend his daughter every step of the way, and the former England striker took no time at all calling out a man after he made a crude comment about her on social media.
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The football coach wrote in a now-deleted tweet: "Can't wait to see her getting smashed," alongside a series of laughing emojis.
In response, Owen wrote: "What a fine example to set from a man in your responsible position."
His fans were on hand to offer their support, with one writing: "Don't rise to it mate with even a reply, easier said than done I know. My daughter will be the same age in August."
"You expect this from kids but a fully grown man who's a scout..." said another. "Hopefully the club who employ him look at this tweet and reprimand him."
A third added: "Some right whoppers on twitter these days that take it too far, I bet he wouldn't say that to your face. Disrespectful."
Earlier this week, the footballer also stepped in to shut down those who were saying Gemma is 'too young' to be on Love Island.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he pointed out that he joined Liverpool at 17, saying '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," he continued.
"The bottom line is, she’s an adult and I have to trust her to make sensible decisions."
That's not to say it's been easy for Michael to watch his girl – who is the oldest of his four children with wife Louise Bonsall – sharing a bed with someone she hardly knew.
"Luckily for me, there was no physical contact," he said. "Gemma had her back to the guy. There was space between them. I thought, 'Good girl'.
"No father wants to see physical contact, do they? I certainly don’t.
"If there is physical contact I think I’ll be throwing something at the screen. I don’t want to see kissing. Do not make me see kissing!"
Topics: Love Island, Football
Daisy Phillipson