Man Utd striker Michael Owen has responded to criticism aimed at him by Newcastle supporters.
Red Devils man blasts St James' Park boo-boys
Manchester United striker Michael Owen has responded to criticism aimed at him by Newcastle supporters following his return to St James' Park.
The 31-year-old, who spent four years with the Magpies following a club record £16million move from Real Madrid back in 2005, received a hostile reception as an 80th-minute substitute for United during Tuesday night's goalless draw on Tyneside.
Owen, who left Newcastle for Old Trafford in 2009, hit back at the boos via his
Twitter account after the match.
"Got a poor reception off the home fans which was disappointing. Was desperate to score!" said Owen.
He added: "Knew I would get booed as that's what a lot of fans do, but if they knew the facts, then they may have a different opinion."
Criticism
Owen endured an injury-plagued stint with the Magpies before leaving in the wake of the club's relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2008-09 season.
The former Liverpool man, who earned £103,000 a week on Tyneside, defended himself amid further criticism in a series of later posts.
The striker said: "From what most of you Newcastle fans are saying, you should be pleased I left the club! If I had known that earlier I could have left sooner!
"For the record, I tried my best in every game for Newcastle. Under KK [Kevin Keegan], I played well and I'll never forget the 2 I scored against Sunderland.
"When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans, they all respect what I've done for their clubs. In stadiums it changes, 1 boo and the rest follow.
"By the way, I'm not looking for sympathy. As long as my family don't boo me when I walk through the door, I couldn't care less!!!"
