Hicks and Gillet welcome to Sandon ‘any time’ says pub owner

Feb 26 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

THE head of Liverpool’s Sandon pub last night said any member of the Hicks or Gillett family was welcome to visit any time.

It follows revelations that Tom Hicks Jnr was chased out of the pub by angry fans following Liverpool FC’s match at Anfield on Saturday.

According to eye witnesses, Hicks Jnr had to be hustled out by his minders after he was subjected to increasingly hostile questioning by fans angry at the way the club is being run by his father, Tom Hicks, and co-owner George Gillett.

The Sandon’s general manager, David Gaul, said CCTV footage of the incident had now been examined and would be made available to police if they requested it. However, no such approach had been made.

Mr Gaul added: “Mr Hicks was having a drink at the bar and some fans started talking to him. As far as I can see from the footage, which of course does not have any sound, there was no animosity at all and he didn’t leave in a hurry.

“It’s there for the police to view if they want to, but they have not been in touch with us and no complaint has been made.

“Any of the Hicks or Gillett family are welcome to come in to the Sandon and enjoy a drink with all the fans.”

The pub is a popular gathering place for Liverpool supporters both before and after games.

According to reports, Hicks jnr arrived at the pub in a silver people carrier, and began taking pictures of the exterior of the building.

Once inside, the 6ft 4ins Texan faced a series of questions about the way the club was being run by its American co-owners.

However, when the questioning became increasingly hostile and fans started chanting for him to get out of the pub, he was guided back to the waiting people carrier by his minders.

Hicks Jnr said of the incident: “I went to Sandon with some friends because I have wanted to go for quite some time to see the birthplace of the club.

“I also wanted the opportunity to have a direct talk with some of the supporters.

“I respect that some patrons have major disagreement with us.

“I did have several constructive conversations.”

alanweston