But when people meet doting gay parents such as Ray and Rodney, they find it hard to argue that their son would be better off in a foster home.

ECONOMIST: Gay marriage

"It has been difficult to bring people here and get them to invest in a company that makes rats, " says Foster, 51, the CEO and son of the founder.

FORBES: The rat pack

Hicks Jr was seen as a key player on Anfield's board -- comprised of Hicks and his father, Gillett and his son Foster and managing director Christian Purslow.

CNN: Hicks Jr resigns as Liverpool director