A temporary restraining order obtained by Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett late Wednesday night in an attempt to stop a takeover deal was described as “unwarranted and damaging” by the soccer club’s directors.

The injunction was granted when the English Premier League side’s board, headed by chairman Martin Broughton, was discussing a sale with John Henry’s New England Sports Ventures (NESV) in London.

Hicks and Gillett lost a High Court case against the Liverpool hierarchy and major creditors Royal Bank of Scotland on Wednesday morning, but said they were granted the restraining order by a Texas court.

The Anfield board is unimpressed by the actions of the American duo, who are also claiming more than $1.6 billion (£1billion) in damages and have branded the proposed sale to Henry as an “epic swindle,” with a hearing date set for 25th October.

Liverpool said in a statement on its official website on Wednesday night: “Following the successful conclusion of High Court proceedings today, the board of directors of Kop Football and Kop Holdings met tonight and resolved to complete the sale of Liverpool F.C. to New England Sports Ventures.

“Regrettably, Thomas Hicks and George Gillett have tonight obtained a Temporary Restraining Order from a Texas District Court against the independent directors, Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and NESV to prevent the transaction being completed.

“The independent directors consider the restraining order to be unwarranted and damaging and will move as swiftly as possible to seek to have it removed.

“A further statement will be made in due course.”

It was hoped by all associated with Liverpool that Henry’s takeover would be concluded on Wednesday in order to give ample time to meet Friday’s deadline to repay a debt in the region of $366 million (£230 million) owed to RBS, which could push the club into administration.Read more: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12040_6443697,0.html