Michael Owen calls out football coach over sickening tweet about daughter Gemma

Proud dad Michael Owen has criticised an under-18s girls’ football coach over a sickening tweet about his Love Island star daughter Gemma. The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker called out a crude response on football coach Paul Proud’s account after he admitting he didn’t want to see the 19-year-old kissing on the ITV dating show.

The response from Paul’s account read: “Can’t wait to see her getting smashed,” followed by a stream of laughing-face emojis and a thumbs-up. BT Sport pundit Michael was outraged by the comment and tweeted back: “What a fine example to set from a man in your responsible position.”

Proud’s Twitter feed claimed he was a scout and manager for the under 18s academy at Glasgow City FC, a football club for girls and women and also an ex professional player. The account has since been deleted and there are unconfirmed reports in other media that he has resigned from his position.

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Michael, 42, went on to say that this message was among ‘hundreds of examples.’ “I only selected him from of hundreds of examples,” he tweeted. “Good job I’m used to dressing room banter/ taking stick. And you’re right, nobody ever says anything to your face!”

Praising Gemma, another follower @DonnyScouse told him: “To be fair she hasn’t put a foot wrong, she’s a very mature 19 year old, she knows dads watching.” And Michael responded: “Thanks Jacky” with a thumbs-up.

Dressage rider Gemma’s life in the TV villa, a week into the eighth series, is about to be rocked by the arrival of her ex-boyfriend rugby player Jacques O’Neill, 23. On Friday she was seen re-coupling with fishmonger Luca Bish, 23, after being paired with business owner Davide Sanclimenti, 27, from Manchester.

After the tense re-coupling episode a teaser clip showed Gemma’s ex approaching the villa. And a shocked Gemma was heard telling the other girls “that’s my ex boyfriend” as they spotted him.

Rugby league player Jacques has been released from his contract as he prepares to enter Love Island. Super League club Castleford Tigers confirmed his release “to allow him to pursue another opportunity” and said they have first option to re-sign him he wants to resume his rugby league career.

A Tigers’ statement read: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that the club has agreed to release Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to pursue another opportunity. The Tigers have the first option to sign O’Neill back next year should he wish to return to rugby league.

“Known for a fearless attitude on the field by Castleford supporters, the Cumbrian-born 23-year-old is a proud product of the Tigers’ youth system having come through both our scholarship and academy programmes before making his Super League debut. Castleford Tigers would like to wish Jacques well with his new opportunity and thank him for his efforts as a Tiger so far.”

The M.E.N. has contacted Glasgow City FC for comment.