Steven Gerrard Assault Charge Dropped

An assault charge against England footballer Steven Gerrard has been dropped, a court has today heard.

The 28-year-old Liverpool Captain, however still faces a charge of affray following a bar room brawl in Southport.

Businessman Marcus McGee, 34, lost a tooth and suffered a cut face in the fight in Southport, Merseyside, North Sefton Magistrates’ Court was told.

Gerrard who appeared in court, was not required to make a formal plea in relation to the affray charge he now faces.

The court heard he was in the bar in the early hours of December 29 celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle United.

Nick Evans, prosecuting, told the court that after a "review of the evidence in full" it was decided that all seven defendants should only face affray charges.

Assault charges were also dropped against John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, Merseyside.

Appearing alongside Mr Gerrard on Friday were Accrington Stanley players Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport, and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland.

Also in the dock were John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, both Huyton.

(JM/BMcC)