Carra asks fans not to abuse Owen

Jamie Carragher has pleaded with Liverpool supporters not to taint his charity testimonial on Saturday by subjecting Michael Owen to a hostile reception.

Owen, 30, who scored 158 goals in 297 appearances for Liverpool prior to his transfer to Real Madrid in 2004, has agreed to play alongside Carragher in a Liverpool shirt during the former England defender's benefit game against an Everton XI at Anfield.

Owen became a target for terrace abuse at Anfield by agreeing to move to Old Trafford on a free transfer from Newcastle in July 2009.

But Carragher insists that supporters should remember Owen's contribution as a Liverpool player and overlook his Manchester United connections following his decision to accept an invitation to play in a game from which all proceeds will go to Carragher's 23 foundation, which supports local charities and groups.

Carragher said he hoped Owen's United move did not affect his reception "because I think he deserves a great one for what he did for Liverpool. He was a fantastic player, right up there with the greats for what he did.

"He left in difficult circumstances, but when he went to Manchester United, his career was on a bit of a downward spiral and he'll admit that himself.

"So the chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world was difficult to turn down. He moved and upset some people, but he had to do what was right for himself and his family.

"His kids were just starting school and he wanted to move back home so that came into it as well."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.