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MICHAEL OWEN shares his frustrations regarding the “two-facedness” of football fans while reiterating his support for Alexander Isak.
He encourages Newcastle fans to reconsider their reactions after they cheered for Yoanne Wissa, who also chose not to play for Brentford, during his visit to St. James’ Park.
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The England icon, 45, garnered attention for stating that former players who openly criticize the Swedish striker for going on strike at Newcastle would have likely “behaved the same,” emphasizing that Isak is not a villain.
Owen, who had prominent spells at Liverpool and Real Madrid before injuries curtailed his time at Newcastle, Manchester United, and Stoke, stirred further debate among the Toon Army by contrasting Isak’s case with that of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
While Guehi opted to play for his team and subsequently saw a transfer to Anfield fall through, Isak successfully finalized his record £130m transfer to Liverpool.
As Isak gears up for a potential debut against Burnley on Sunday, reflecting on the striker’s actions, Owen remarked on the betting platform BetSelect: “He’ll contend that it was the right choice. Purists might advocate for maintaining good conduct at all times, but it all hinges on perspective.
“This isn’t a new occurrence; it happens regularly. It’s under scrutiny now because of the high profile of this transfer. Similar situations likely unfolded multiple times this transfer window, but they didn’t attract attention because they involved smaller clubs.
“I grasp all viewpoints. I’ve encountered both sides in my career, and this kind of scenario will persist as long as football exists; it’s merely a facet of the game.
“I’m not justifying Isak’s actions; I’m merely calling for some balance, as the clubs fans feel sympathy for often end up being the biggest offenders in these situations. My goal is to present balance, not to condone his actions.”
Owen further observed: “Fans shouldn’t react negatively when a player forces a transfer out of their club if the same behavior is occurring in other places. Yoane Wissa did precisely that. Newcastle supporters criticize Isak but will likely welcome Wissa with open arms.
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“Liverpool faced a similar scenario as well. Trent Alexander-Arnold departed on a Bosman, and fans were unhappy about the lack of a transfer fee. However, when the next Bosman arises, they’ll likely be thrilled, despite another club losing a player for free. That’s just a part of football. I can’t tolerate the hypocrisy.”
Despite being a Ballon D’or winner and one of the top players of his generation, Owen remains unpopular in Tyneside.
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From openly stating that joining Newcastle in 2005 wasn’t his desire to facing injury struggles throughout his three seasons there, his public disputes with Alan Shearer, leaving after relegation, and suggesting his time at Newcastle was wasted, Owen has faced considerable backlash from the Toon Army.
However, when jokingly asked if he felt pleased that Isak had become the new public enemy No. 1 among fans, he curtly replied: “I don’t bear the brunt.”
“Honestly, I’m detached from Newcastle now. I live over three hours away and have no close family ties there. There’s no reason for me to visit Newcastle. So, any hostility from that section of Newcastle supporters is largely over unless they choose to comment on my social media posts. I hold no resentment myself.”
He added: “If I were a fan, I would be highly protective of my club, and I respect Newcastle supporters for their enthusiasm. Yet, these situations occur in football, whether between clubs and players or the reverse.
“As a fan, I’d try to comprehend that it’s a footballer’s aspiration to reach their career’s pinnacle. That ambition drives us all. If everyone were content with their current situation, where would the ambition reside? What would be the purpose? While I understand fans’ reactions, I find it perplexing when a similar scenario plays out a week later on the opposite side. I suspect Wissa will soon be hailed a hero, and it’s just ridiculous.”
