A heated bust-up between Michael Owen and Jason McAteer during a six-a-side tournament proved that Premier League footballers never lose their competitive edge.You need to possess a fiercely competitive nature in order to become an elite-level sportsperson.That inner desire to want to constantly improve and win all the time is what allows individuals to reach the top.The competitive streak doesnât go away once they bring the curtain down on their carers.In 2019, former Liverpool teammates Owen and McAteer clashed during a Star Sixes tournament in Glasgow.Owen, playing for England, was dispossessed by the Republic of Irelandâs McAteer.An off-the-ball incident then followed, culminating in Owen swiping McAteerâs legs.Pushing and shoving between the pair ensued and Owen was shown a yellow card by the referee.The ref then showed McAteer a straight red card for retaliating with a kick.Watch the incident here:
A fuming McAteer told Sky Sports shortly after his sending off: âWell, the referee got it wrong, didnât he?
âWe came together, had a little pull of the shirt and span round, then Michael Owen decided to lash out. I didnât want to let him get away with it.
âThe referee didnât see it, or he didnât want to see it probably because itâs England and Michael Owen, more to the point.
âWe kind of made up a bit, then I gave him a friendly push up the backside.â
McAteer then asked to see the incident again and commented: âHow is that not a red card? Iâll tell you why itâs not a red card⦠because itâs Michael Owen and itâs England and because the officials are that bad.âÂ
Owen went on to win the tournament with England
To make matters worse for McAteer, Owen then went on to score two goals in a 3-2 win for England against the Rest of the World in the final.
âHe shouldâve been banned for the final, but he played and scored two,â Dean Saunders, who was representing Wales at the tournament, complained.
The following day, McAteer told talkSPORT: âIâve just managed to get my head together, Iâve calmed down now.
âLetâs clear it up, I never kicked him up the backside. I put my foot on his backside and pushed him away with my foot. Thereâs a difference. It was kind of like a loving push.
âIâve got no problem with Michael Owen doing what he did.
âIn the heat of the moment, itâs football, these things happen, weâve kissed and made up.
âItâs the officials that Iâve got the problem with â thatâs where my headâs come off.â
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