England v Sweden: BBC viewers castigate Martin Keown after he tells people reading books during World Cup match to 'get a life'

Former Arsenal defender delivers series of odd utterances, also advising viewers to celebrate momentous victory by 'putting the sprinkler on'

It was the game that had all English football fans dreaming – and BBC viewers scratching their head, after co-commentator Martin Keown opted to launch a bizarre attack on book-lovers.

Seemingly out of nowhere, the former Arsenal defender appeared to take umbrage at anyone who might be passing the afternoon reading rather than watching the England-Sweden World Cup quarter final.

“There might be someone back home reading a book,” he said, apropos of nothing. “They need to get a life.”

Predictably, social media users reacted with both bemusement and outrage at the anti-literature outburst. And with a few choice insults of their own.

“Only Martin Keown could manage to offend people who are not even watching this game! #books #SWEENG” declared Labour MP David Lammy.

“Maybe if you read a few more books Mr Keown,” declared another poster, going simply by Liz, “you might not sound like such a moron.”

Another poster offered a radical approach to his own viewing habits. "I read books. I watch football. I often do both at the same time. Bet that would confuse the heck out of Martin Keown," tweeted Halifax-based Mark Wright.

The 51-year-old followed the strange remarks up 20 minutes later by advising people to celebrate the fact England were winning by “putting your sprinklers on”.

His co-commentator Guy Mowbray appeared to allow a dignified silence to follow the remark.

In the match itself, England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years. It remains to be seen if Keown will be used as co-commentator in that match.