Owen facing FA rap

Michael Owen could face action from the Football Association after reacting badly to a challenge by Mikel Arteta during Stoke City's defeat at Arsenal.



Owen appeared to thump Arsenal midfielder Arteta on the back towards the end of the 1-0 defeat at the Emirates.

The striker was not booked but the FA could investigate after it was caught on camera.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis said: "Arteta's challenge was poor, but Michael should not do that."

The Potters had fallen behind to Lukas Podolski's deflected free-kick when Arteta challenged Stoke substitute Owen.

Former England international Owen reacted angrily and appeared to lash out at the Spaniard, but referee Chris Foy did not book the 33-year-old.

"If Michael has done what he has done and they look at it, then they will deal with it," added Pulis.



"We'll see what they say. Obviously I am going to be biased as it is my football team."

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Owen in Perth Glory link

Stoke striker Michael Owen has reportedly expressed interest in a move to Australia, with Perth Glory the frontrunners for his signature.



Owen, 33, has played less than an hour of first team football since joining Stoke from Manchester United in the summer, although he is likely to feature in the Potters' FA Cup trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.



"Michael Owen's agent has enquired about Michael playing in the A-League," a Perth spokesperson told the West Australian . "Perth Glory are interested but are yet to find out Michael's terms and conditions. Until these are known, Perth Glory will not enter any further negotiations."



Stoke boss Tony Pulis insisted Owen is still wanted at the Britannia, despite failing to use him over the busy festive period.



"We've done okay as a club anyway, but Michael has been a part of it over Christmas without me selecting him," Pulis said. "He's been available so hopefully I'll get him involved somehow [on Saturday].



"But his attitude hasn't surprised me and I think the players like him in the way he is, he's a decent lad. I don't think Michael sees this as a big chance to prove people wrong.



"He just wants to play football and he has to be fully fit to do that. We have to get him in that position first but he's been a pleasure to work with."

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Owen in contention for Stoke return

Stoke striker Michael Owen could make his first-team comeback when Liverpool visit the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day.



Owen, who has not played for the Potters since October 27 due a hamstring problem, has been working on his fitness and may be ready to feature in the 7.45pm Barclays Premier League kick-off.



It remains to be seen whether or not another former Red, midfielder Charlie Adam, will be involved after he missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at Tottenham having been granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.

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Crouch hoping for Owen arrival

Peter Crouch has urged Michael Owen to join Stoke City and insists a move to the Brittania Stadium is not a step down.



Owen is a free agent after leaving Old Trafford in the summer and has been linked with numerous clubs, including Stoke.

And Crouch, who has impressed in his first year under Tony Pulis, believes a move to the Potters would be good for the 32-year-old.

"Coming to Stoke was never a step down," Crouch told The Sun.

"I was really happy the manager could give me games when I was in and out of the Tottenham side.

"I'd rather play a big part in something smaller than be a small part of something bigger.

"I know Michael has a big decision to make after leaving a club the size of Manchester United - but I had a similar decision to make last summer.



"At Tottenham we were challenging for a Champions League place every season. We're not doing that at Stoke but we are building something worthwhile here."

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