From The Times
January 24, 2009

Steven Gerrard denies assault over nightclub brawl

Russell Jenkins

Steven Gerrard is facing a criminal trial after indicating yesterday that he would plead not guilty to assaulting a man in a late-night bar brawl.

The England international is free to continue playing football after magistrates bailed him yesterday for eight weeks at his first court appearance.

Mr Gerrard, 28, the Liverpool captain, and two other men indicated at North Sefton Magistrates’ Court in Merseyside that they would plead not guilty to charges of assaulting Marcus McGee, 34, and a further charge of affray. The three men, who are accused of attacking Mr McGee at a Southport nightclub last month, will appear before the same court on March 20 for formal pleas and for their cases to be committed to Crown Court.

Nick Evans, for the prosecution, told the court that a group of men attacked Mr McGee, who was said to be cowering in a crouching position on the floor.

It is also alleged that glasses and bottles were thrown during the brawl at the Lounge Bar nightclub on December 29, which followed Liverpool’s 5-1 defeat of Newcastle United.

Mr McGee, a father of two who lives in Southport, is said to have suffered a broken front tooth and cuts to his face.

Merseyside Police mounted a huge security operation outside the court yesterday after suggestions that thousands of Liverpool fans would turn up. The court was closed to the public.

In the event only a handful of fans turned up to cheer Mr Gerrard, who has played seventy times for England and captained the team four times, as he arrived. He jogged up the court steps dressed in a blue suit and tie.

Inside the court he sat, hands folded, behind the security screen alongside John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both of Huyton, Merseyside, throughout the 26-minute hearing.

Mr Gerrard, who is married to the model Alex Curran, and has two children, spoke only to give his full name, address in nearby Formby, and to indicate that he would plead not guilty. Mr Evans asked Ray Roukin, the chairman of the panel, to take the unusual decision to delay committal proceedings for ten weeks until April 3.

But after submissions from the defence solicitors, including Mr Gerrard’s counsel, Richard Green, magistrates decided to adjourn the case for eight weeks.

The footballer, who appeared unperturbed by the courtroom experience, emerged to thank photographers and supporters before being driven away.

Officers investigating the alleged brawl are also to interview five other men who were arrested. These include the brother of Coleen McLoughlin, Wayne Rooney’s wife.

After the alleged incident at the Lounge Bar, Liverpool and England told Mr Gerrard that he could carry on playing, despite facing charges.

The governing body’s attitude is in contrast to its handling of the case involving Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer in 2000, when both players were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray after an attack on an Asian student.

The FA decided that neither player would be available for selection. Mr Bowyer was cleared of all charges and Mr Woodgate was cleared of grievous bodily harm and was found guilty of affray.