Gerrard denies nightclub assault

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has told a court he intends to plead not guilty to any involvement in a bar brawl on Merseyside.

The 28-year-old star was at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on charges of affray and assault.

He was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport on 29 December.

Two other men, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, both from Huyton, face the same charges. The case was adjourned.

A 34-year-old man, from Southport suffered facial injuries on the night.

Gerrard had been at the bar with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United, earlier on 29 December.

He was arrested along with five others outside the venue and was later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

Gerrard was driven to the court in Southport before jogging up the steps, dressed in a dark blue suit, for the short hearing.

Gerrard spoke only to confirm his details and indicate a not guilty plea

The midfield star and his co-defendants spoke only to confirm their name, age and address and say they intended to plead not guilty.

All three were granted bail on the condition they did not go to the bar in which the alleged attack happened, or approach a number of prosecution witnesses.

The case was adjourned until 20 March, when the three men are scheduled to reappear at the magistrates' court.

Gerrard, a father-of-two, was driven away in a black BMW after the hearing.

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