Michael Owen wins apology and substantial damages from Daily Express
Sport
Apology | 3 June 2009
The Daily Express has publicly apologised to our client, internationally renowned footballer Michael Owen over a libellous article published in the first edition of the Daily Express on 15 May 2009 entitled “Unwanted Toon Striker At a Crossroads – Finished at 29?”. The article made a number of false allegations and in particular claimed that Michael’s football career was over, and that he was on the verge of retiring from professional football.
A statement read in the High Court today by Mr Owen’s lawyer, John Kelly, Partner of law firm Schillings, said: “These incredulous allegations are entirely without foundation and were obviously extremely distressing, hurtful and damaging to Michael Owen.”
Mr Kelly said that these allegations were not put to Michael or his representatives prior to publication. Had the Daily Express done so, it would
have been informed of their utter falsity. Express Newspapers accepted in court “that the allegations were wholly without foundation and should never have been published”. The Daily Express has published a back page apology, has undertaken not to republish the allegations and has agreed to pay Michael Owen substantial undisclosed damages and all of his legal costs.
A spokesman for Michael Owen said: “Michael is delighted to have won his case and to have set the record straight. He would have preferred not to take action, but had no alternative in this case. Michael is pleased that this matter has now been resolved and he can put it behind him.”