04/10/2005

Best condition 'serious but improving'

Northern Ireland football legend George Best is still in a "serious but improving" condition after being admitted to hospital suffering from a kidney infection.

The former Manchester United star was admitted to hospital with flu-like symptoms at the weekend. However, he became "seriously ill" shortly afterwards and is being treated with antibiotics in the intensive care unit of London's Cromwell Hospital.

Professor Roger Williams, who has been looking after Best, said the Belfast born star's condition was not alcohol-related and that he might be moved out of intensive care "in the next 24 hours".

Best, who had a liver transplant in 2002, is no stranger to controversy. Despite warnings to avoid alcohol following the transplant, he was banned from driving in 2004 for a drink-driving conviction.

Earlier this year, police cautioned his then lover, Ros Hollidge, over an alleged assault on him. A week later he himself was released on police bail following questioning over an alleged assault.

(MB/SP)

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