The average person has quirks/does quirky things which, if were constantly placed under the microscope in the same way that footballers are, often out of context and in a hasty, judgemental, definitive manner, then they could easily be portrayed as socially inept. Owen seems socially competent to me, just a bit dry. He has an ego for sure as do all professional athletes, but I find he's more open (or careless with his words perhaps) than most footballers, which also means he will say things that leave him open for ridicule. In the same way that you or I would be if our everyday
conversations were broadcast to millions of people. For example people mispeak all the time in conversation, get words slightly twisted etc. It's why footballers are trained to give the most inane answers possible in interviews. If you look at most post match interviews for example, those conversations if they occurred in every day life would appear insane or as if the interviewee is socially inept.
You're being overly sensitive and over analysing it. Belittle him? They are playing a game and he's celebrating in a light hearted manner. When I beat my 8 year old nephew in a game I celebrate. Partly to tease him, which is completely normal and friendly interaction, but also if you really want to psychoanalyse it, it shows respect. In contrast, complacentently destroying my nephew in a game and then acting like it was easy is demeaning, as it implies that I was unchallenged. By celebrating it demonstrates that I had to work hard to win. Do you remember being a kid and playing a game against adults, as sometimes you knew that they were letting you win (certainly by 13 you would have recognised this easily). Its not satisfying is it. The satisfaction comes from learning, improving and eventually beating someone who is trying their hardest.
Unfortunately you have demonstrated my original point exactly, which was that people jump to firm conclusions without the full context. What was the set up for the game they were playing? Was there a prize for the kid winning or a forfeit for Owen losing? Was it just the one game or was it part of a series of challenges? Was the kid insulted in anyway? Do you know what interaction Owen and the kid had before or after the clip? I haven't seen the full show and I doubt most people have. Youve seen a couple minute glimpse of something out of context, got on your high horse, and made your mind up.
I'm wary I've spent far too much time explaining this however it is in the realms of my profession so I'm happy to educate, so one more point. The only insult towards the kid in the clip is Nev's comment. If you want to analyse it, it translates as "you shouldn't be happy to score past this kid Michael, he's 13 so he's obviously incompetent and you can beat him easily, so easily that it should provide you with no satisfaction whatsoever".
