THE BEST OF TASTE

The Sun proudly reports:

‘The Sun yesterday patrolled outside the Chequers with posters urging Best to quit the booze. Our 2ft x 1ft messages read: “Go Home, George” and “Stop Drinking George.”’

We’re sure that will improve the situation. Elsewhere they ask:

“Are YOU a relative of the donor whose liver was used to save George Best? If you are, or you know any, call The Sun on 020 7782 4105. Don’t worry about the cost — we’ll ring you straight back.”

Why not give them a call and “help” them with their enquiries.

For those of you who aren’t aware of proceedings, the Guardian reports:

George Best abruptly rediscovered the price of notoriety at the weekend when a lapse back into drinking brought the media to his home and local.

Both were besieged after one of the most high-profile struggles against alcohol suffered a setback, with photographs of Best downing a drink with people his agent, Phil Hughes, called "a new group of friends".

The lapse confirmed fears among family and long-standing colleagues that the former Manchester United star, 57, is struggling with his pledge, made three years ago, not to drink again.

His wife Alex, 30, who has supported him since he renounced drink during treatment for alcohol-related problems in 2000, was "absolutely furious" with the Chequers pub at Walton-on-the-Hill near Tadworth, Surrey, for serving him, Mr Hughes said.

"I would have thought any responsible person anywhere would refuse to serve George," he told reporters outside the Bests' brick and flint cottage in Upper Gatton, near Walton.

"Alex is absolutely furious, but she hasn't had words because it would not help the situation."

The couple have lunched at the Chequers before, but Best recently ventured there on his own. Mr Hughes said: "You cannot go down there screaming and shouting, it is only going to embarrass him.

"It is a very difficult situation. He is obviously very remorseful. We need him to get help but it is only George who can help himself.

"He is not a stupid person. This has happened for whatever reason, we do not know, but we need him to settle down and face facts. Absolutely everybody who loves George will support him and try and help him over this."

Best returned to the Chequers again yesterday but drank only mineral water.

Mr Hughes said: "We had an inkling over the weekend that this might be happening. We just do not know what brought this on. Business is fine, George is very, very much in demand, everything has been going really well." But he added that Best "seems to have a new bunch of friends".

Best declined to be interviewed yesterday. He 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 fracas in the Chequers, reportedly involving a photographer.

But Best and a 31-year-old man also arrested at 5.30pm were released without charge. He was back in the pub by 10pm.