Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool fans protest after co-owner Tom Hicks' surprise visit
Anger: Liverpool supporters' display an anti-Hicks and Gillett banner during the match[LNB]Hundreds of Liverpool fans protested against American co-owner Tom Hicks as he made a surprise visit to see the game at Anfield yesterday, heightening speculation about the future of Rafa Benitez. [LNB]Club officials were told of Hicks' attendance only on the morning of the game and the Texan was given a security escort into the stadium. [LNB]But once his presence was spotted by fans, about 500 gathered outside the main Anfield entrance and chanted 'Yanks out' and 'Get out of our club' for 90 minutes. One banner unfurled on The Kop earlier read 'Yank Liars'. [LNB]Hicks and co-owner George Gillett have been hate figures for many Liverpool fans since they bought the club in 2007. Hicks' son, Tom Jnr, resigned from the board after sending an abusive email to a supporter who had questioned the club's transfer policy. [LNB]Hicks' presence at a relatively minor game will lead to questions about Benitez's long-term prospects at the club. [LNB]The Anfield hierarchy are becoming exasperated at Benitez being linked to other clubs, most recently Juventus last week. They have written to the Italian club asking them whether they have illegally 'tapped up' Benitez. [LNB]Juve deputy director of football Roberto Bettega is reported to be a good friend of the Liverpool manager. [LNB] On the pitch: Dirk Kuyt (right) celebrates after scoring against Bolton[LNB]Liverpool's directors are unlikely to be pleased with Benitez's statement that he was 'flattered' to be linked with the Serie A giants.[LNB] Hicks also had business matters to discuss with managing director Christian Purslow yesterday.[LNB] Liverpool are trying to raise £120million that will reduce the stake of Hicks and Gillett, who was not present yesterday.[LNB] Benitez looks likely to go to Italy in the summer unless Liverpool's financial situation dramatically changes so he can compete in the transfer market. [LNB] Liverpool 2 Bolton 0: Reds back to winning ways in front of controversial co-owner Tom HicksRafa Benitez fires off a warning: Keep me happy or I'll leave LiverpoolBirmingham make fresh moves for Ryan Babel and Roman PavlyuchenkoLIVERPOOL FC
