What Michael Owen actually said on the diving debate on Twitter

Owen made some comments on Twitter last night, about diving, referencing details of incidents he was accused of in consecutive World Cup appearances against Argentina in 1998 and 2002.

He quickly hit out at newspapers for twisting his words, and taking his comments out of context. 

So here is a look at what he actually said.

(Discussing an interview with SkySports)... "Diving high on the agenda. I suggested at least 75% of players that go down for a penalty could have actually stayed on their feet."

"Very rarely does someone hit you with such force that it causes you to hit the deck. But where do you draw the line on whether it's a dive?"

"Legendary ref, P.Collina says a player has every right to go down if touched provided that player doesn't use an unnatural stride to trip."

"I have to agree. I've earned penalties in 2 World Cups both against Argentina where I was touched yet could of stayed up if I had tried."

"I think it's falling over or diving without being touched to con the referee that most people want stamped out."

"Anyway, have to admit I'm nervous about how tomorrow's news will be reported. Never nice to read things about yourself that you never said."

An hour later this article appeared on the Mirror website. 

'I am guilty too': Owen enters diving debate with double World Cup confession

So he tweeted: "And so the sensationalising has begun (as predicted). Shame you can't have a good, honest debate in this country without people who have no idea whatsoever about the game being in a position to fire out news that is a sideshow to what was said. If they did understand football then the comments they are sensationalising would appear towards the end of the article below the more important points.

"Oh, and by the way, if you can't see for yourself that I could of stayed on my feet against Argentina without me having to say it then you really are struggling to understand the game! I repeat I've never gone down and won a penalty without being touched as that would be diving!

Before being goaded by Twitter nemesis Piers Morgan: "poor old Benchwarmer, you really don't get it, do you? Let me help you with your media strategy, seriously!

"a) 'I dived to get penalties' admits @themichaelowen b) 'why the hell are the media sensationalising my words again?' says @themichaelowen."

And Owen, really getting riled at this point, replied: "and thus proves my point. You have just quoted me yet I've never said those words in my life. Typical. #clueless

"I get it 100% fat chops. And that is that you and plenty more like you are the scum of the earth. Night Night."

So where do you stand on Owen's comments, were the penalties he won for England the type of play which should be cracked down on too or are they within the laws of the game? Is he right to be annoyed about his words being misinterpreted?