Owen and McAteer come to blows during legends match

Joe Williams
Michael Owen Man Utd

Michael Owen and Jason McAteer were involved in a bust-up during a six-a-side legends tournament on Sunday.

The pair, who used to be team-mates at Liverpool, were on opposing sides when England and the Republic of Ireland played in the Star Sixes competition.

During the match, Owen kicked out at McAteer off the ball before the defender reacted furiously to the ex-Manchester United striker.

Both players had to be separated by team-mates, including the likes of Joe Cole and David Dunn, before McAteer landed his own kick on Owen.

McAteer was shown a red card, while Owen got away with only a yellow and the former Ireland international was annoyed after the clash.

McAteer said: “He got it wrong didn’t he, the referee?

“We came together, a little pulling off the shirt and we spun around and Michael Owen decided to lash out. I didn’t think I wanted him to get away with it.

“The referee didn’t see it – or didn’t want to see it – as it was England and Michael Owen more to the point.

“We kind of made up a little bit and I gave him a friendly push up the backside and the referee decided to send me off.”

When reviewing the action on TV, McAteer said: “You’ll see us come together but how is that not a red card? How is that not a red card?

“It’s because it’s Michael Owen and it’s England. The officials are that bad.”