Mr Gascoigne was freed on police bail on Tuesday

Merseyside Police confirmed on Friday it was taking no further action against Mr Gascoigne, 38, who was bailed on Tuesday.

He was arrested on Monday in Liverpool after photographer Steve Farrell said he was attacked.

Mr Farrell told the BBC Gascoigne had enough problems in his life.

I am a big footie fan and admire Gazza - he's got enough problems and I don't want to add to them Photographer Steve Farrell

A statement from Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that a 30-year-old man from Liverpool visited a police station to withdraw a complaint of assault against a 38-year-old man from Gateshead."

Mr Gascoigne had been in Liverpool to speak at a fundraising event for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre hours after he was sacked as non-league Kettering Town's manager on Monday.

"Having thought about what happened, I have decided to drop the charges against Paul Gascoigne," said Mr Farrell.

"I am a big footie fan and admire Gazza from his playing days. He's got enough problems in his life and I don't want to add to them.

"I can appreciate that, having just lost his job at Kettering, he has many issues on his mind.

"I don't want to add to them by taking him to court. I hope he's OK again soon."