RBS boycott considered

Last updated : 04 September 2008 By Al Campbell
The Spirit of Shankly (SOS) wants the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to deny George Gillett and Tom Hicks any further financial support as they look to remove the despised duo from the club.

In January Hicks and Gillett were able to secure a £350m loan from the RBS which has saddled Liverpool FC with annual debts of £30m. That loan is due for refinancing this January and the SOS wants the RBS to think of the fans before allowing the American duo to borrow any more money.

Should the RBS continue to finance Hicks and Gillett then the SOS group will consider targeting the bank, urging fans to close any accounts at the bank.

"We would encourage Royal Bank of Scotland to withdraw any future financial support for Tom Hicks and George Gillett, in their attempt to burden Liverpool Football Club with more debt," said the SOS in a statement to the Liverpool Echo yesterday.

"Should the owners come back asking again for money to finance the stadium we ask them to refuse, as it goes against the wishes of the vast majority of Liverpool fans.

"We would also urge Royal Bank of Scotland to reconsider its position with regards to the current loan they have with George Gillett and Tom Hicks. This is due for re-financing in early 2009, and we know that Royal Bank of Scotland has the final say on the re-financing.

"We ask them to refuse the American owners' request, on behalf of all Liverpool fans."