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George Best `innocent' of attack on girl

George Best is "totally innocent" over allegations he indecently assaulted a young girl, the former Manchester United star's agent insisted yesterday.

The retired Northern Ireland winger, now 59, was arrested last week on suspicion of having assaulted a girl under the age of 13, police said on Monday.

Best, who last week was also questioned by police over a separate claim he punched a friend of his ex-lover, is alleged to have attacked the girl last month.

"We have received an allegation of indecent assault against a 59-year-old man who was arrested on June 9," a spokesman for Surrey Police said.

"The allegations concern a girl under the age of 13, and the incident is said to have taken place in May," the spokesman said.

"We're not prepared to discuss details of this investigation any further," he said.

Best's agent Phil Hughes described the claims as "outrageous" and "totally unfounded."

"George is totally innocent. We will defend this vigorously," he said.

"There have been so many lies printed about George that we have let slip through because you cannot sue everybody. [But] we will certainly be suing the people who made these allegations once we have proven his innocence," Hughes said.

Last week Best spent more than nine hours at a police station being questioned about an incident when he allegedly punched a 34-year-old woman outside the home of his ex-lover, Gina Devivo.

The former footballer received a facial injury the previous week during an encounter with current girlfriend Ros Hollidge, who was cautioned by police over the incident.

His picture on the front page of the Sun showed him sporting a black eye.

Best had stayed briefly with his ex-wife Alex at their former marital home, his agent added, but was now back with Hollidge.

Best was one of the most naturally gifted footballers ever to play the sport, but his career slumped when he was still in his 20s as his lifestyle took its toll.

By the time Best finally finished playing he was an alcoholic, and has reportedly resumed drinking even after being given a life-saving liver transplant in 2002.
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