Death threats part of game: Owen

England striker Michael Owen has received several death threats in his career but he said on Thursday it was "part and parcel" of the modern game.

"There is no place for this kind of thing in the game or in life," Owen told the Liverpool website.

"Sadly, these days it seems it can happen to anyone in a high profile position. I can't tell you how many times it has happened to me now."

Owen's club manager, Liverpool's Gerard Houllier, received a death threat in the post last week that is being investigated by police.

"To be honest, although it is unfair and awful, nothing surprises me anymore. It shouldn't happen and it is not acceptable but it has almost become part and parcel of the game nowadays," said Owen.

Owen said he believed England captain David Beckham had faced similar threats.

"It is the kind of thing I don't think would have happened years ago but is happening to people in the game regularly now.

"If you speak to David Beckham I'm sure he'll tell you this kind of thing has happened to him about a dozen times.

"It has happened to me lots of times as well. And it is not just letters. Some things have happened that could be considered even worse." He did not elaborate.

Owen was speaking after Liverpool eased the pressure on Houllier with a 6-2 aggregate win over Levski Sofia in the UEFA Cup after Wednesday's second leg. On Thursday, they were drawn against Olympique Marseille in the fourth round.