Gemma is clever, funny and kind – it’s hard reading what the Love Island trolls say about her, says Michael Owen

MICHAEL Owen has leapt to the defence of Gemma, revealing it’s been hard reading what the Love Island trolls have said about his daughter.

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

The teenager has faced a viewer backlash on the show, with some viewers slamming her for being “rude” and smug”.

Speaking about the troll comments Michael, 42, told the : “It’s hard because I have three other kids [James, 16, Emily, 14, and Jessica, 12] and this is their sister and they are reading this stuff. 

“Louise [my wife] has been very upset about it. You can say, ‘don’t read it’ but that’s very difficult.”

He went on: “I know she’s been used to that sort of thing with me — I’ve had it all my life; to look at my social media feeds you’d think 70 per cent of the world hates me, but it’s different when it’s your daughter. For Louise it’s more difficult.

“She’s the most amazing girl you could meet.

“She’s clever and funny and kind. She’s not two-faced. She’s loyal, a decent person.”

Looking upset, he added: “She’s still our baby. I’m still my parents’ baby and I’m 42! It’s how it is.”

Meanwhile, Gemma was previously paired up with Italian stallion Davide Sanclimenti, 27.

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

Fans 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 doesn’t get what all the fuss is about, as he was in the spotlight when he played for Liverpool at just 17.

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.”

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.