AM I the only person totally frustrated and disillusioned with the public's over-reaction to the premature death of George Best?

I don't normally sit in moral judgment but the media have spoken about him in reverent tones describing him as a 'national saint' and those sycophants interviewed at the makeshift shrine at Old Trafford spoke of him as 'having a charming personality' and 'the world will be a sadder place without him!'

Nothing could be further from the truth.

One cannot deny that he was a gifted footballer but his talents ceased on the pitch.

His life was one of utter selfishness and self-indulgence blighted by alcohol abuse.

He served a prison sentence for assaulting the policeman who detained him for drink-driving.

An organ should be treasured as the ultimate gift but he treated it with total disregard, depriving a more deserving recipient of a better quality of life.

The suggestion that he should join my hero Sir Tom Finney and be recognised in the New Year's Honours List is lamentable. Sir Tom was and still is a true icon and role model.

Sad as the loss of a human being always is and whilst I sympathise with his family, I shall remember Mr Best caressing a drinking glass in his hand as opposed to Sir Tom with the ball and the world at his feet.

JIM OLDCORN, Ridgeway, Great Harwood.