Liverpool co-owner Hicks denies new sale claims

Reports in the British media claimed that DIC, who were rejected by Liverpool in favour of Hicks and George Gillett, had persuaded Hicks to sell his share.

 News that Hicks's son, Tom Hicks Jr, had been spat at and abused by Liverpool fans on Saturday night after the club's win over Middlesbrough, merely added fuel to the fire.

 But Hicks said the claims were "absolutely and categorically false."

   In a statement, the American said: "Reports in the UK media that I am about to sell my stake in the Liverpool Football Club, or to invite DIC to examine the club's books in preparation for such a sale - like other such reports planted in the UK press in recent weeks by parties with their own self-interested agenda - are absolutely and categorically false.

 "The reality is that I am personally, professionally and financially committed to the club and its supporters and that I will continue to honour that commitment to the best of my ability now and in the future."