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24/07/2009
Steven Gerrard Found Not Guilty Of Affray
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has today been found not guilty of affray, following a row in a Merseyside bar.
The England midfielder admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in a row over music in a Southport bar.
Gerrard apologised in court for lashing out at the businessman, but denied losing control in the confrontation.
The footballer denied affray, telling Liverpool Crown Court although he hit Mr McGee, he was acting in self-defence, believing he was about to be attacked.
The 29-year-old was with friends at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of December 29 to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle, when the incident occurred.
Gerrard spoke outside the court: "Can I just say how pleased I am with today's verdict.
"I'm glad to put this case behind me and I am really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on my football now.
"I would just like to say a big thank you to my legal team and to my friends and family and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for supporting me."
Members of the jury took just over 70 minutes to find the Reds' captain not guilty.
The prosecution have said the English footballer punched Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a professional boxer".
Gerrard was the only one of seven defendants to be cleared over the incident.
Five of Gerrard's friends have already admitted affray, while another admitted threatening behaviour.
The six will be sentenced at a later date.
(JM/BMcc)
The England midfielder admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in a row over music in a Southport bar.
Gerrard apologised in court for lashing out at the businessman, but denied losing control in the confrontation.
The footballer denied affray, telling Liverpool Crown Court although he hit Mr McGee, he was acting in self-defence, believing he was about to be attacked.
The 29-year-old was with friends at the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside, in the early hours of December 29 to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle, when the incident occurred.
Gerrard spoke outside the court: "Can I just say how pleased I am with today's verdict.
"I'm glad to put this case behind me and I am really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on my football now.
"I would just like to say a big thank you to my legal team and to my friends and family and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for supporting me."
Members of the jury took just over 70 minutes to find the Reds' captain not guilty.
The prosecution have said the English footballer punched Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a professional boxer".
Gerrard was the only one of seven defendants to be cleared over the incident.
Five of Gerrard's friends have already admitted affray, while another admitted threatening behaviour.
The six will be sentenced at a later date.
(JM/BMcc)
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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.
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The Hillsborough Family Support Group has received a donation of £96,000 from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The family support group and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign have been fighting to find the truth behind the Hillsborough disaster at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in which 96 people died.
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard Donates To Hillsborough Group
The Hillsborough Family Support Group has received a donation of £96,000 from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The family support group and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign have been fighting to find the truth behind the Hillsborough disaster at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in which 96 people died.
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15 March 2012
'Drunken Fans' Blamed For Hillsborough Tragedy
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'Drunken Fans' Blamed For Hillsborough Tragedy
Confidential government documents have revealed a senior Merseyside police officer blamed "drunken Liverpool fans" for causing the Hillsborough disaster. The BBC has seen leaked briefings sent to former PM Margaret Thatcher about Britain's worst sports tragedy.
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