Liverpool star faces criminal trial over brawl at nightclub
Steven Gerrard surrounded by policemen as he left North Sefton Magistrates Court in Southport, England, yesterday
Saturday January 24 2009
Steven Gerrard is preparing for a criminal trial after indicating yesterday that he will plead not guilty to assaulting a man in a late night bar-room brawl.
The England international is free to continue playing football after magistrates bailed him for eight weeks at his first court appearance.
Liverpool captain Gerrard and two other men indicated at North Sefton Magistrates' Court that they will plead not guilty to the charges of assaulting Marcus McGee and a further charge of affray.
The trio, 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.
Mr McGee, a father-of-two who lives in Southport, is said to have suffered a broken front tooth and cuts to his face in the attack.
Merseyside Police launched a huge security operation outside the court yesterday following suggestions that thousands of Liverpool FC fans would turn up to show their support. The force even closed the court to the public.
However, only a handful of fans turned up to cheer the footballer, who has played 70 times for England and captained the team four times, as he arrived in a dark BMW.
He jogged up the court steps dressed in a dark blue suit and dark striped tie.
Security
Inside the court he sat with his hands folded, behind the security screen alongside his fellow accused, John Doran (29) and Ian Smith (19) both of Huyton, Merseyside, throughout the 26-minute hearing.
Mr Gerrard, who is married to model Alex Curran, and has two children, spoke only to give his full name, address in nearby Formby, Merseyside, and to indicate that he will plead not guilty.
The trio will appear before the same court on March 20 for their cases to be committed to crown court.
The Liverpool captain emerged from the court to thank photographers and the handful of supporters before being driven away in his waiting car.
Officers investigating the alleged brawl are also to interview five other men who were arrested.
These include the brother of Wayne Rooney's wife, Coleen McLoughlin.
In the wake of the alleged incident at the Lounge Bar, bosses at both Liverpool and England told Mr Gerrard he could carry on playing despite facing the charges.
The governing body's attitude is in contrast to its handling of the Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer case.
In 2000, both players were charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray following an attack on an Asian student.
The FA decided neither would be available for selection.
Mr Bowyer was subsequently cleared of all charges relating to the attack, while Mr Woodgate was cleared of GBH and found guilty of affray. (© The Times, London)
- Russell Jenkins
