Paul Gascoigne in rehab after suffering 'alcohol relapse', friend says

Former footballer Paul Gascoigne, who has struggled with alcoholism for a number of years, has had another relapse, according to his friend Gary Mabbutt.

Former Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Mabbutt told The Sun that Gascogine, affectionately known to fans as Gazza, has been taken in to rehab "for his own welfare".

However, in a statement posted on Facebook along with a picture of the star said to be from today, Gascoigne's management team A1 Sporting denied he was in rehab or hospital but admitted that he had, had "a bad week".

Pictures showing Gazza with cuts to his face, apparently carrying a bottle of alcohol and being accompanied by a police officer have been published in the Sun newspaper today.

Mabbutt added that there is a strong support network around the 48-year-old star.

Gascoigne has previously spoken about how he realised he was an alcoholic when he was 33, when he was confused as to why when he woke up at 5am after a night out he would still want another drink.

Speaking last year at a screening of 'Gascoigne', a film on his life, troubles and career in June, he had said that he was "in a good place".