Black-eyed Best back at bar
A bruised and battered George Best was today back at the bar after being severely beaten by girlfriend Ros Hollidge at the weekend.
Best, 58, tried to mask two black eyes and cuts on his nose and cheeks with a pair of dark glasses.
He appeared anxious and stressed as he waited to be served at Folly's wine bar in Petersfield, Hampshire. However, he limited himself to a coffee.
Hollidge, 37, reportedly assaulted Best after he returned drunk from the Derby. His injuries were said to have been so severe that doctors believed his story that he had been attacked with an iron bar by a gang of thugs.
Hollidge punched him repeatedly in the face, blackening both eyes and leaving him soaked in blood at their home in Surbiton.
She was arrested after the attack and spent Saturday night in police custody.
She has since been released with a caution.
Asked about his relationship with Hollidge today, the former Northern Ireland and Manchester United star shook his head and replied: "I'm not saying a word."
He is staying at the Forest Mere health farm in Liphook, and is said by locals to arrive by minicab at one of the two pubs in Petersfield by 10.30 every morning.
Publicans in the Liphook area have barred Best from their establishments.
Staff at the Royal Anchor, near where Best is staying, said the former footballer is no longer permitted in the bar, after a recent incident in which Best was said to have thrown a punch at a fellow punter.
One barmaid said: "I don't think he's allowed in here any more."
Trev Simmons, landlord of the Royal Oak in Petersfield, said Best was not welcome in his pub either.
He told the Evening Standard: "We won't have him in here. It's a personal matter.
"I don't think it's right what he's doing to his body. When he had the liver transplant he was given a second chance, and I don't condone the way he's throwing that away.
"He's come here a couple of times with friends and I've said he's not welcome. We just think he's ruining his life."
He added: "A lot of the pubs around here like him, he's good for business. He buys drinks for everyone and people go in there to see him. I think that's irresponsible licensing, if you ask me."
