England striker Michael Owen has admitted receiving several death threats in his career but says it is “part and parcel” of the modern game.
“There is no place for this kind of thing in the game or in life,” Owen told the Liverpool website.
Sadly, these days it seems it can happen to anyone in a high profile position. I can’t tell you how many times it has happened to me now.”
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, received a death threat in the post last week that is being investigated by police.
“To be honest, although it is unfair and awful, nothing surprises me anymore. It shouldn’t happen and it is not acceptable but it has almost become part and parcel of the game nowadays,” said Owen.
“It is the kind of thing I don’t think would have happened years ago but is happening to people in the game regularly now.
“If you speak to David Beckham I’m sure he’ll tell you this kind of thing has happened to him about a dozen times.
“It has happened to me lots of times as well. And it is not just letters. Some things have happened that could be considered even worse.”
