BRITAIN: George Best was last night back in the pub where he was said to have begun drinking again less than a year after his life-saving liver transplant.
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland football star was thought to have arrived back at the Chequers Hotel in Walton on the Hill, Tadworth, Surrey, at around midday - but appeared only to be sipping mineral water.
His 30-year-old wife Alex had earlier been described as being "absolutely furious" with the pub for reportedly serving her husband alcohol.
The landlord of the Chequers, Mark Noble Campbell, described her comments as "a bit out of order" but said the brewery which owned the pub, Young's, would not be making an official statement until today.
The Belfast-born soccer legend was said to have left the Chequers, where he is a regular, after last orders on Saturday night. But it was unclear whether he had returned to the picturesque brick and flint cottage he shares with his wife in nearby Upper Gatton.
His agent, Phil Hughes, said Alex was not angry with her husband, but was "very, very upset" that he had begun drinking again.
Best had been drinking alcohol again for about a week and he appeared to have a new group of friends who had "not been helping him", Mr Hughes said.
Mr Hughes, who is a close friend of the couple, said Alex was angry with the Chequers for serving her husband.
"She is absolutely furious," he said. "She has not had words because it would not help the situation." His agent had earlier insisted Best was "very remorseful" and had acknowledged that he needed help with his latest battle with alcohol.
Best declined to be interviewed in the Chequers yesterday. The star seemed relaxed and happy as he chatted to a small group of children and friends, even pausing to sign autographs.
He was arrested by Surrey Police on Saturday on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm after an incident in the Chequers, reportedly involving a newspaper photographer.
But Best and a 31-year-old man also arrested at 5.30 p.m. were released without charge. He was back in the pub by 10 p.m.
Last year Best pledged that he had abandoned drink forever after undergoing a liver transplant when he was said to have only weeks left to live.
Throughout much of his adult life he has been virtually a bar fixture, and was famed for spending his nights at exclusive clubs.
He tried a surgical cure in Norway, which involved implanting drug pellets in his stomach. The pellets react to alcohol and Best was warned that a drinking spree could kill him. Three months later, he was back on the bottle.
In 1984 he served two months of a 12-week jail term for drink driving and assault on police. Illness again struck him three years ago when he was treated for a liver complaint at the Cromwell Hospital in west London.
Best underwent his liver transplant last year after waiting months for a suitable organ and made a slow recovery from the operation. - (PA)
FOUR DECADES FIGHTING BATTLES
2002: July 30 - George Best goes into hospital for liver transplant.
2001: December - Reveals he is on standby for a liver transplant.
1998: Joins Sky Sports as football pundit.
1996: Announces he would be interested in succeeding Jack Charlton as Ireland manager but FAI appoint Mick McCarthy.
1995: Marries Alex Pursey.
1990: Causes controversy after appearing drunk and swearing on BBC TV's Terry Wogan chat show. Best claimed TV executives "plied" him with champagne beforehand.
1988: A testimonial organised by friends attracts 20,000 people in Belfast and raises £75,000 to help stave off bankruptcy.
1984: Jailed for drink-driving offence.
1983: Plays five times for Bournemouth before finally retiring.
1980: Signs for San Jose Earthquakes and begins treatment for alcoholism.
1976: Marries first wife Angie MacDonald James in Las Vegas.
1977: Makes the last of 37 international appearances for Northern Ireland against Holland in Belfast.
1973: Makes short comeback with Manchester United after making peace with new boss Tommy Docherty, before again retiring after another bust-up.
1972: Announces retirement.
1964: Makes Northern Ireland debut.
1963: Leaves school and turns professional with Manchester United.
- (PA)