Mr Best's manager, Phil Hughes, said the former footballer was "poorly", but that his condition is not life threatening.

A spokesperson for Belfast City Hospital said she could not comment on his illness. Last March the former Manchester United star was admitted to hospital in London with liver problems.

George Best and his wife Alex, now live quietly in a seaside village on the Ards peninsular in Co Down. Despite his chequered career, or maybe because of it, there is a tremendous affection for Mr Best in the North and many people will be hoping he pulls through this latest illness.