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Michael Owen attended Goodwood Racecourse this weekend(Image: @RacingTV)

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has ignited a fashion row by refusing to wear socks at Goodwood races.

The former striker was at the course this week supporting horses trained by Hugo Palmer, the boss of his Manor House Stables.

Their luck was in on Friday when Seagulls Eleven (11-4) sported the colours of a Brighton FC players' syndicate to triumph in the Group Three Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes.

However, Owen wasn't merely discussing equine matters during the five-day racing extravaganza, as his choice of footwear became a talking point.

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"He's not wearing socks.

!" Owen hit back.

Owen showing the TV crew he was wearing shoes without socks(Image: Racing TV)Article continues below

Following the broadcast, racing enthusiasts weighed in on the matter, which sparked considerable controversy during Royal Ascot week.

"Hey who cares, Michael looks very smart, good on ya!" one supporter declared on social media.

"You don't wear socks with loafers.

Yet a third responded with a disgruntled emoji, posting: "No socks!!!"

Gentlemen arriving sockless at the Royal meeting in Berkshire were informed they must purchase them if unprepared.

Royal Enclosure regulations stipulate attendees must don a jacket, collared shirt, tie and socks, which must cover the ankle.

The dress code for Goodwood isn't as stringent, with the website stating 'gentlemen (and boys aged 16 and over) are required to wear a suit jacket, long-sleeved collared shirt and a tie, along with full-length trousers to all 19 racedays' in its premier Richmond enclosure.

Owen opted for a pair of blue suede shoes on Friday, when Seagulls Eleven triumphed for a team of owners led by his mate James Milner.

Prior to the interview, where he expressed his pride in the horse, presenter Lydia Hislop mentioned: "We are just chatting about sock-gate from the other day when Hugo Palmer pointed out to Michael Owen that you should have your feet cut off if you didn't wear socks with shoes!"

Owen responded: "That's what he said didn't he and apparently it went a bit viral.