Latest news with #GeorgeBest
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Eamonn Holmes brands NI football star as ‘ultimate hero' in new podcast episode
NI presenter Eamonn Holmes has hailed the late George Best as his 'ultimate hero' in the latest episode of his podcast. In Things We Like, which he co-hosts with fellow GB News figure Paul Coyte, Holmes also revealed how he was used as 'bait' for Best's episode of This is Your Life.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footballers behind bars: From George Best's three-month stint to Ronaldinho's fake passport saga… the game's biggest stars to be jailed after Brandon Williams avoids prison
Former Manchester United star Brandon Williams cut a relieved figure at Chester crown court, having had plenty of time to process the grim reality of what could have lied ahead. Williams was handed a 14-month suspended sentence on Thursday for dangerous driving after ploughing into a central reservation, just moments after he was filmed 'with a balloon in his mouth' in August 2023. Less than a year after he was released by United following the expiry of his £65,000 a week contract, a verdict that Judge Eric Lamb described as 'deliberate disregard' completes an extraordinary fall from grace for Williams. Once lauded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his leonine courage, the former England Under-21 international will now reflect on the punishment sent his way. Whether he returns to football remains to be seen. It will be of scant consolation to Williams that he is by no means the most high-profile former United player to tread the ignominious path from pitch to penitentiary. That dubious distinction belonged to the late George Best, whose status as arguably the finest player of his generation offered no protection from a three-month prison sentence for a drink-driving offence in 1984. 'I see no reason to distinguish your case from others because you happen to have a well-known name,' stipendiary magistrate William Robins told Best, whose punishment was upheld on appeal a fortnight later. 'You don't have much time to adjust to the idea of going to prison because as soon as the judge has passed sentence, you're hurried down the steps from the dock to the holding cells and put in with all the other criminals waiting to be transported to jail,' Best wrote in his 2001 autobiography Blessed. 'No one who hasn't been inside can have any real idea what prison is like... The stench of the place hit me as soon as I stepped down from the van, the smell of excrement, rotting food and body odour.' Like Williams, who had twice previously been banned from driving, Best did not help himself. On the night that led to his downfall, he had been drinking heavily in Chelsea and was en route to the legendary London nightspot Tramp when he was stopped by police outside Buckingham Palace. He was breathalysed, carted off to Canon Row police station and bailed to appear at Bow Street magistrates' court the following morning. What Best did not know, however, was that he was due to appear at 9am - just three hours after police released him. He awoke that afternoon and remained blissfully unaware he had broken bail until returning to the same watering hole where the previous evening had begun. Unperturbed when regulars informed him he was all over the news for breaking his bail conditions, Best simply picked up from where he had left off. But when he returned to his Chelsea home at 7am the following day, it was surrounded by reporters - and, before long, a bevy of police officers. Ignoring their demands to come out, Best eventually decided to make a run for it, sprinting across the road to the nearby home of Diana Janney, a former girlfriend. 'It was like something out of the Keystone Cops,' Best recalled, 'even to the point where they all careered into the front door of Diana's flat just as I slammed it in their faces.' Best eventually gave himself up, although not before headbutting a police officer; 'I suppose that's the knighhood f***ed,' he quipped. But like so much of the off-field behaviour that drove his dazzling career off the rails, it was no laughing matter. 'I regard assault on the police as an extremely grave matter,' Best, who served 53 days in prison for his troubles, was informed by the judge during sentencing. It was a sterner verdict than he had hoped for, yet Best knew it was high time someone in his life got tough with him. Perhaps Williams will come to a similar conclusion, given his past transgressions. Certainly greater talents have fallen only to rise again. The former Arsenal captain Tony Adams infamously spent eight weeks in Chelmsford prison in 1990 for a drink driving offence. Jermaine Pennant was playing for Birmingham City when he was sent down for three months for drink-driving while disqualified in 2005. Both went on to bigger and better things. There is not always a happy ending, of course, for football is littered with players who have spent time behind bars, often for the most unlikely of reasons. Such was the case with Ronaldinho, the former Barcelona and Brazil legend who was detained for 32 days in a Paraguay prison in 2020 after he was accused, along with his brother and business manager Roberto de Assis, of attempting to enter the country with falsified documents. True to his irrepressible character, the former World Cup winner made the most of the experience. Unlike Best, who declined to turn out for HMP Ford because he didn't want press photographers to capture images of him playing in jail wear, Ronaldinho participated in a prison futsal tournament, reportedly scoring six goals in an 11-2 victory to secure his side the winner's prize of a 16kg suckling pig. The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner, who marked his 40th birthday in incarceration, subsequently spent a further four months under house arrest at the luxurious Palmaroga hotel in Asunción before returning home. Yet the irony was that he didn't need a passport to enter Paraguay in the first place; a Brazilian national identity card would have been sufficient. If there was an element of the surreal about Ronaldinho's travails, he had nothing on Omar Ortiz, a former Mexico international goalkeeper nicknamed the Cat. It would be an understatement to say that Ortiz did not fill his time wisely while serving a two-year ban from football that began in 2010, after he tested positive for the illegal substances oxymetholone and masteron. The Monterrey stopper was found guilty of participating in the kidnap of at least three people, one of whom was a minor. Tasked with identifying potential targets on behalf of a notorious organised crime group, Ortiz's victims included Armando Gomez, the husband of popular Mexican singer Gloria Trevi. To widespread dismay, Ortiz was arrested in 2012 and held for seven years until a criminal judge in the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon sentenced him to 75 years in prison. Barely less unusual was the fate of another South American goalkeeper, Colombia's Rene Higuita. The maverick stopper, whose forward forays and set-piece goals earned him the nickname El Loco, is best remembered for his spectacular scorpion kick in a friendly against England at Wembley in 1995. But two years earlier, Higuita made headlines of a rather different nature when he helped secure the release of the kidnapped daughter of Carlos Molina, a Colombian drug lord. The 15-year-old had been abducted at the behest of Pablo Escobar, the notorious leader of the Medellín cartel, and Higuita was approached by Molina to help secure her release. Not in a position to decline, Higuita agreed to meet the kidnappers, handing over a briefcase full of money with which he had been supplied to pay the ransom. In short space, Claudia Molina materialised among a nearby group of street children, and the goalkeeper was lauded as a saviour - an image he was quick to embrace. 'It was a mission from God,' he told the press. 'It was a very beautiful thing. I did it as a blessing, because God gave me the chance to make a family happy. It is not often in life that you get such a chance.' Higuita's role in the affair earned deep gratitude from Molina, who insisted he accept a $64,000 gift. But that led the authorities to view him as an accessory to kidnap and, though he was neither charged with nor convicted of a crime, a seven-month prison stay ensued. 'I acted for humanitarian reasons,' said Higuita. 'If I was ever needed again to help free someone, I'd do it without hesitating. I'm a footballer, I didn't know anything about kidnapping laws.' Williams too has been a footballer; in time, he may be again. He is still only 24 and, in a sport where redemption is never further away than the next match, his family's hopes that he can reignite his career may yet be fulfilled. History teaches us as much. Adams was 24 when he was sentenced, but retired 12 years later as an Arsenal legend with the trophies to prove it. Pennant, a convict at 22, was later signed by Liverpool and made the starting line-up for the 2007 Champions League final. But no two players follow the same journey, and Williams now finds himself at a very different juncture in his career to others who have fallen foul of the law. Unlike Best and Ronaldinho, both of whom strayed off the straight and narrow after their playing days were done, Williams is not an established star. Without a club, and with the verdict behind him, he is not even a rising one. How he responds to this nadir will determine everything.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Remembering George Best: The Manchester United icon whose real life was stranger than fiction
George Best (via Getty Images) On what would have been his 79th birthday, the world remembers George Best, soccer's very first global icon and one of Manchester United 's longest-standing symbols. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1946, Best mesmerized the crowd with his phenomenal talent, winsome personality, and life of glory and tragedy. Here are some unthinkable but true facts about George Best that encapsulate the life of a footballer like no other. A teenage debut that announced a star: The legend of George Best undefined George Best was born into a working-class family in Belfast. He had exceptional footballing talent from a young age. Spotted by a Manchester United scout, he left Northern Ireland as a teenager to join the club's youth system, marking the start of a career that would soon captivate the world. Already 17 years old, George Best made his Manchester United debut in 1963. With his blistering pace and hypnotic dribbling, he was instantly different, for he was one of the youngest ever to make an impact on English football then. George Best's fame and appeal gave him the name ' Fifth Beatle ' Such was George Best's fame in the 1960s that he was dubbed the 'Fifth Beatle' by the British media. With hair streaming down his back, modish sense of style, and irresistible charm, Best was a cultural icon far beyond football, the very image of the Swinging Sixties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Grow and build next-gen AI skills with BITS Pilani. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo A European champion at the age of only 22 In 1968, George Best played a key role in Manchester United's record-breaking European Cup victory, the club's first ever. His individual winning goal against Benfica earned him his reputation as one of the best players in the world and won him the Ballon d'Or later that year. With 179 strikes from 470 matches, George Best remains on Manchester United's all-time top scorers' list. His strikes were breathtaking—solo runs, volleys, chips—and most of them remain revered today by supporters and football historians alike. A genius plagued with addiction Although he was a genius on the pitch, Best's personal life off of it was marred by struggles with alcohol. His addictions were no secret and ultimately led to his early retirement and decline in health. Despite this, though, he remained honest about his fight, eventually leveraging his experience as a tool to help raise awareness. While he never attended a major international tournament, Best earned 37 caps for Northern Ireland and netted nine times. Not being at football's biggest competitions did not deter him from being widely regarded as the best player ever from the country. After leaving Manchester United in 1974, Best played for several clubs in Scotland, Australia, and the United States, including the Los Angeles Aztecs and San Jose Earthquakes. Though his best days were behind him, fans flocked to see him play wherever he turned out. Following his retirement, Best was a respected football pundit and enjoyed frequent television appearances. His autobiography and candid discussion of addiction brought him sympathy and respect from football supporters across the globe. One of the first global football stars Long before the Internet age of social networking and modern-day football promotion, George Best was the first of the genuine football stars. His mix of flamboyance, skill, and charisma rewrote the definition of football star. George Best passed away in 2005, but his reputation continues to live on. From murals in Belfast to tributes at Old Trafford, he is a testament to natural ability and the slender margin between greatness and disaster. Also read: Who are Manchester United's all-time top goal scorers? Ronaldo's rank might surprise you From teen prodigy to cultural icon, George Best's life is a story that sounds like fiction. But every astonishing story told of him—whether for scoring from apparently impossible angles or partying with stars—is fact. On his birthday, fans remember not just his achievements but the legend that keeps him in mind. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Belfast Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Rory McIlroy watching on at Europa League final in Spain as fans in NI celebrate in unique way
The Holywood star was rubbing shoulders with football pundit and Man United legend Rio Ferdinand after his private jet touched down in the Spanish city on Wednesday morning. McIlroy was also photographed receiving a team shirt from former United star Wayne Rooney. McIlroy's Gulfstream G650ER was spotted arriving in George Best Belfast City Airport at around 6.40am before returning to the air in less than an hour at 7.26am. As a long-time United fan, McIlroy was congratulated by team boss Ruben Amorim after his Grand Slam success in April which was 'really important' for the club. Amorim invited the Co Down man to Old Trafford to show off his trophy, which he accepted — adding he will also bring his Green Jacket 'if it can inspire some better play'. The five-time major winner has even suggested he plans to one day invest in his favourite football club. McIlroy was one of almost 50,000 football fans at Bilbao's San Mamés Stadium who watched the Red Devils take on London's Spurs. A total of 80,000 fans descended on Spain's largest northern city. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, fans of the two English sides poured into their local pubs to watch both teams battle for the Europa glory and a place in next year's top-flight competition, the UEFA Champions League. Supporters at one Belfast bar were treated to a unique treat for the final which saw the price of their pints dropping to as low as 70p — depending on who was winning. The American Bar brought the price of their stout back to what it was when both finalists last lifted a European Trophy. Fans had the opportunity to avail of £4.20 pints of Guinness if Man Utd got ahead, as they were in 2017 when United lifted the Europa League. However, if Spurs took the lead, pints instead reflected the 1984 rate from when the London side lifted the UEFA Cup. Spirits were high and the drinks were flowing in the small bar based in Sailor Town as supporters enjoyed its special offer as well as revelling in the excitement of the spectacle. Long-time American regular, Jim McCann, has been supporting the Red Devils since Belfast-born football legend George Best played for the side. The superfan said he welcomed a United victory, due to their poor performance in the Premier League this season, and hoped lifting the trophy would result in 'better quality of [players] to bring in.' 'I suppose it's back in the day, your dad supported the team,' Jim said. 'When you grow up, you support it. 'I'm 60-odd now, so back in the day when I was doing it, it was George Best. So that's what you done. He supported United, we supported United.' He added: 'We need new people to come in, better quality of people to bring in. We need somebody to go out and find the right ones.' While locals chatted with bar staff and assumed their regular seats, the special drinks discount meant curious first-time visitors also flocked to the bar for the all-English final. Ciaran and James, both 35, had their eyes glued to the screen as the friends hedged their bets on a United victory. It was Ciaran's first visit to the Sailortown bar, despite only living a short drive away, and was drawn to pub after seeing their pints offer. 'I would happily pay £50 a point if United win,' he said. 'The pints offer, it's a good one which I've never heard of that before.' The cheap pints were also what drew in Shane (22) and Sean (21) who both had a Guinness in hand. It was Shane's first time at The American. The Spurs fan said: 'I came in and I didn't know it was here. I'd heard about it just from different people — but it's a really nice atmosphere.' Co-owner of The American, Pete McCloskey, explained how the unique pint offer came to fruition after he was discussing it with his business partner and Nottingham fan, Tomas, about potential ideas. Pete said: 'He was bleating that if Forest win the Premier League, he's going to buy a keg of Guinness and he'll sell it at whatever price it was when Forest last won the league.' The pair then decided to follow through with the idea as Pete's favourite club, Spurs, were featuring in the Europa League Final. 'We were like, we could do it like that, that could be fun. We could do it if, rather than if Spurs win, we'll sell a keg, people will come down to watch the game and be invested in it. 'And I hate when you go into a pub and there's football on. But if we're going to do it, let's do it in a way that will involve everybody.' Man U fan Hannah Lyons, who was resting on a booth with her pet pooch, Wren, said she wasn't as conflicted about the Spurs getting ahead due to Guinness not being her drink of choice. The east Belfast woman said: I go everywhere with my little furry companion. So I just love coming down here, because it's always good — it's a good vibe.'
Belfast Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
McIlroy among tens of thousands spectating Europa League Final in Spain as fans in NI celebrate in unique way
The Holywood star was rubbing shoulders with football pundit and Man United legend Rio Ferdinand after his private jet touched down in the Spanish city yesterday morning. McIlroy was also photographed receiving a team shirt from former United star Wayne Rooney. McIlroy's Gulfstream G650ER was spotted arriving in George Best Belfast City Airport at around 6.40am before returning to the air in less than an hour at 7.26am. As a long-time United fan, McIlroy was congratulated by team boss Ruben Amorim after his Grand Slam success in April which was 'really important' for the club. Amorim invited the Co Down man to Old Trafford to show off his trophy, which he accepted — adding he will also bring his Green Jacket 'if it can inspire some better play'. The five-time major winner has even suggested he plans to one day invest in his favourite football club. McIlroy was one of almost 50,000 football fans at Bilbao's San Mamés Stadium who watched the Red Devils take on London's Spurs. A total of 80,000 fans descended on Spain's largest northern city. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, fans of the two English sides poured into their local pubs to watch both teams battle for the Europa glory and a place in next year's top-flight competition, the UEFA Champions League. Supporters at one Belfast bar were treated to a unique treat for the final which saw the price of their pints dropping to as low as 70p — depending on who was winning. The American Bar brought the price of their stout back to what it was when both finalists last lifted a European Trophy. Fans had the opportunity to avail of £4.20 pints of Guinness if Man Utd got ahead, as they were in 2017 when United lifted the Europa League. However, if Spurs took the lead, pints instead reflected the 1984 rate from when the London side lifted the UEFA Cup. Spirits were high and the drinks were flowing in the small bar based in Sailor Town as supporters enjoyed its special offer as well as revelling in the excitement of the spectacle. Long-time American regular, Jim McCann, has been supporting the Red Devils since Belfast-born football legend George Best played for the side. The superfan said he welcomed a United victory, due to their poor performance in the Premier League this season, and hoped lifting the trophy would result in 'better quality of [players] to bring in.' 'I suppose it's back in the day, your dad supported the team,' Jim said. 'When you grow up, you support it. 'I'm 60-odd now, so back in the day when I was doing it, it was George Best. So that's what you done. He supported United, we supported United.' He added: 'We need new people to come in, better quality of people to bring in. We need somebody to go out and find the right ones.' While locals chatted with bar staff and assumed their regular seats, the special drinks discount meant curious first-time visitors also flocked to the bar for the all-English final. Ciaran and James, both 35, had their eyes glued to the screen as the friends hedged their bets on a United victory. It was Ciaran's first visit to Sailor Town bar, despite only living a short drive away, and was drawn to pub after seeing their pints offer. 'I would happily pay £50 a point if United win,' he said. 'The pints offer, it's a good one which I've never heard of that before.' The cheap pints were also what drew in Shane (22) and Sean (21) who both had a Guinness in hand. It was Shane's first time at The American. The Spurs fan said: 'I came in and I didn't know it was here. I'd heard about it just from different people — but it's a really nice atmosphere.' Co-owner of The American, Pete McCloskey, explained how the unique pint offer came to fruition after he was discussing it with his business partner and Nottingham fan, Tomas, about potential ideas. Pete said: 'He was bleating that if Forest win the Premier League, he's going to buy a keg of Guinness and he'll sell it at whatever price it was when Forest last won the league.' The pair then decided to follow through with the idea as Pete's favourite club, Spurs, were featuring in the Europa League Final. 'We were like, we could do it like that, that could be fun. We could do it if, rather than if Spurs win, we'll sell a keg, people will come down to watch the game and be invested in it. 'And I hate when you go into a pub and there's football on. But if we're going to do it, let's do it in a way that will involve everybody.' Man U fan Hannah Lyons, who was resting on a booth with her pet pooch, Wren, said she wasn't as conflicted about the Spurs getting ahead due to Guinness not being her drink of choice. The east Belfast woman said: I go everywhere with my little furry companion. So I just love coming down here, because it's always good — it's a good vibe.'
