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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Love Island's Iain Stirling leaves football fans fuming after savage Michael Owen dig

Love Island's Iain Stirling is well known for his witty one-liners while on narrating duty and he caused quite a stir once again near the end on Monday night's show.

The Scottish funnyman, 34, was referencing Gemma Owen's love of horses when he name-dropped her famous dad, footballer Michael Owen.

While the contestants might not know who her dad is, it's common knowledge on the outside and Iain couldn't help but take aim at the former striker and one of his ex clubs.

He said: "Luca's grabbed Gemma for a catch up. Gemma was telling me today that she once joined a pony club.

"Coincidently her dad Michael once joined a pony club...it's called Newcastle United."

And the Toon Army faithful were quick to bite back, heading straight to social media to air their dissatisfaction at being the butt of the joke.

Iain Stirling caused a stir on Twitter (BBC)

One Twitter user wrote: "Errrrr I think @IainDoesJokes has just p**sed off a lot of Newcastle fans," while another added: "@IainDoesJokes I had a lot of respect for you until that Newcastle comment."

A third slammed the comedian's efforts, writing: "Eff off @IainDoesJokes ya pr**k! Lol! Don’t call #nufc when owen was the proper d***heed when at Newcastle. Proper rubbish joke mate!"

And a fourth shared similar discontent, fuming: "Low blow @IainDoesJokes."

However, fans of other clubs seemingly enjoyed the snipe, with one jesting: " Watching Love Island was definitely worth it to hear Ian Sterling call Newcastle United a pony club…"

Michael Owen carries Gemma after signing for Newcastle United (Getty Images)

The former England striker is far from a club hero on Tyneside after joining from Real Madrid in 2005.

The then-sensational transfer quickly turned sour and after an injury-hit four years with the club, he left to join Manchester United on a free transfer after the Magpies were relegated in 2009.

The sportsman has been taking a keen interest in his daughter's time on the show and while answering questions about his daughter's involvement last week, he admitted he didn't want to watch her kissing anyone.

That led to a crude comment by one Twitter user and the star was quick to hit out at the football coach 's remark.

The former Glasgow City FC employee posted on Twitter : "Can't wait to see her getting smashed," followed by a series of laughing emojis.

And Michael responded: "What a fine example to set from a man in your responsible position."

Love Island airs every night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub.

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