Michael Owen defends Gemma over being ‘too young’ for Love Island – as he compares it to playing for Liverpool at 17

MICHAEL Owen has defended Gemma after some viewers claimed she was "too young" for Love Island .

The football legend has opened up about seeing his 19-year-old daughter on the famous ITV2 reality show.

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Teenage Gemma, who has faced a viewer backlash on the show, was paired up with Italian stallion Davide Sanclimenti, 27.

Some viewers found this age gap unacceptable, and threatened too report Love Island to Ofcom.

Fans have also claimed that at just 19-years-old, Gemma is "too young" to be on the show, due to the pressure it can cause.

But Michael told the he doesn't get what all the fuss is about, as he was in the spotlight when he played for Liverpool at just 17.

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He told the publication: "She has had two years more than I had to get ready for life in the public eye. 

"Also, she’s a mature 19. She’s a bit like me in that regard.

"I was playing for Liverpool when I was 17, and having to make friends with 23, 24, 25-year-olds."

Michael added: "The bottom line is, she’s an adult and I have to trust her to make sensible decisions."

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And the dad-of-four has revealed something he definitely does NOT want to see his daughter do.

Michael said: "If there is physical contact I think I’ll be throwing something at the screen. I don’t want to see kissing. Do not make me see kissing!"

Meanwhile, there was a surprise twist in Friday night's show, when Luca Bish, 23, stole Gemma from Davide in the recoupling.

It's after Gemma found herself under the spell of Luca, telling him: "I am attracted to you.

“I definitely would want to get to know you.”

Luca replied: “You stare into my eyes and I just want to stare into yours!”

Davide was left to choose bombshell Ekin-Su.

In a teaser for Sunday night's show voiceover Iain Stirling  a bombshell headed into the villa is revealed to have shock link with Gemma.

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Seconds before the credits rolled, introduced a new boy - and viewers heard Gemma shout: "Oh my god, that's my ex-boyfriend. S***."

But viewers will have to wait until Sunday night's episode to find out what's going on.

Love Island 2022: Meet the islanders

Read all the latest Love Island news, gossip and exclusives

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• Meet Islander Davide Sanclimenti
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