Michael Owen slams 'two-faced' football fans over Alexander Isak transfer

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Michael Owen has slammed fans for "two facedness" following anger over Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Former Newcastle star Michael Owen has hit out at "two-faced" football fans for their attitude towards players who go on strike - after Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa forced moves to Liverpool and Brentford.

Both players came under fire from supporters and pundits this summer after taking drastic measures to secure their transfers - with Isak refusing to join Newcastle on their pre-season tour of Asia and staying from the first team when the season started.

In the end, Isak managed to wrap up his record-breaking £125million switch to Liverpool on deadline day, while Wissa joined Newcastle as his replacement after similarly refusing to play for Brentford.

It has kicked off a huge debate in the Premier League around footballers employing distasteful tactics to seal moves.

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi earned plaudits for remaining professional despite speculation linking him to Liverpool but saw a deadline day move collapse.

Owen - who played 79 times for the Magpies - leapt to the defence of Isak and said he understood his frustration without condoning his behaviour, saying that "the clubs you feel sorry for are probably the biggest perpetrators" in such conduct.

READ MORE:Liverpool news: Marc Guehi responds to failed transfer as star left unhappy with Arne Slot callREAD MORE:Andy Carroll suffers nightmare first start on English football return with straight red

"[Isak] will say it was the right thing to do," he told BetSelect.

I've seen it from both sides in my career, and I'll continue to see it for as long as football exists, because that's just what happens.

Owen questioned why Newcastle fans were angry about Isak yet welcomed Yoane Wissa, despite also going on strike at Brentford(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

"I wasn't condoning Isak’s behaviour.

So I was just trying to bring some balance to the argument, not agree with what he was doing."

Owen slammed the "two facedness" of football fans for slamming one player who has forced a move yet welcoming another who has done the same.

He referenced Liverpool fans who tore into Trent Alexander-Arnold for joining Real Madrid yet were delighted when Isak arrived.

"You can’t have a hissy fit when a player forces a move away from your club if the same thing is happening on the other side," he added.

I just can't stand the two-facedness of it all."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.