Source: Liverpool_Echo
Former Liverpool FC legend John Barnes declared bankrupt in taxes ‘debt’
John Barnes 320[LNB]FORMER Liverpool FC footballer and Tranmere Rovers manager John Barnes has described a move to declare him bankrupt as "an oversight".[LNB]The ex-Reds winger was registered bankrupt last Wednesday at the High Court in London, just five days after he was sacked by the Wirral club.[LNB]The Insolvency Service told the ECHO that Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) had petitioned for bankruptcy after an apparent "unpaid tax bill".[LNB]Barnes was said to be in Liverpool yesterday for a meeting with official receivers.[LNB]But the former Liverpool star dismissed the order, and said: "The bankruptcy issue is a tax oversight which is being dealt with."[LNB]It is understood that Barnes has been in touch with the Inland Revenue since the hearing to try to come to an agreement over unpaid taxes and an insolvency practitioner is set to be appointed to the case to deal with his debts.[LNB]An Insolvency Service spokeswoman told the ECHO they would be working to "dispose of his assets and pay back his creditors".[LNB]At worst, financial restrictions can remain in place on an individual for up to 15 years.[LNB]HMRC have refused to confirm how much Barnes owes, and a spokesman added: "Due to taxpayer confidentiality we cannot discuss the tax affairs of any individual."[LNB]The sporting legend, who was last year manager of the Jamaican national side, lives in Heswall with his wife and children.[LNB]The luxurious five-bedroomed property is currently up for sale for just under £650,000.
