Ex-Liverpool & England star Michael Owen calls out social media 'scumbags' after being branded 'utterly useless' for his alleged failure to challenge Howard Webb on Match Officials: Mic'd Up show

The ex-professional and current head of PGMOL, the Premier League's governing body for referees, presents the show each week, which looks to review and explain the significant calls from the last weekend's league action. In the most recent episode, Webb and Owen touched on a number of dubious incidents, includingNewcastle's controversial winner at home to Arsenal.

Other discussion points included Christian Romero's sending off in Tottenham's 4-1 loss to Chelsea, as well as Scott McTominay's disallowed goal for Manchester United against Fulham. But despite the polarising nature of some of the decisions, some supporters felt Owen's analysis was passive and that the 2001 Ballon d'Or winner failed to push Webb on why such decisions were made.

In response to such critics, which were collocated by The Mail, Owen took to Twitter and said: "You’re just scumbags. Always have been. Trawl through a load of messages until you find a couple of negative ones and then create an article. Most people thought the show was insightful and educational. Which is our aim."

Owen is one of four English players to win the esteemed Ballon d'Or award for the best player in Europe, alongside Sir Stanley Matthews (1956), Sir Bobby Charlton (1966) and Kevin Keegan (1978 and 1979).

After a floury of controversial incidents, the Premier League will enjoy a break period ahead of the start of international fixtures. Owen's old club Liverpool are set to return to action on November 25, with a huge top-of-the-table clash against champions Manchester City on the cards.