CCTV of Gerrard 'brawl' released

A court has been shown CCTV footage of Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard's apparent involvement in a bar brawl.

Prosecutors released the footage as part of the trial of Mr Gerrard, 29, who is accused of affray after a fight at the Lounge Inn in Southport.

It shows the England footballer, who denies the charge, being held back by friends at the venue.

Liverpool Crown Court has heard that he admitted punching Marcus McGee, 34, but said he was defending himself.

Gerrard 'struck with boxer speed'

The charge of affray was brought after Mr Gerrard, from Formby, spent a night out at the Lounge Inn on 28 December 2008.

He was celebrating his team's 5-1 victory over Newcastle united, in which he scored two goals. The CCTV film was shown on the opening day of the trial.

The grainy footage, highlighted for the jury in a lightened ring, showed Mr Gerrard's friend John Doran, 29 - who has pleaded guilty to affray - appear to push Mr McGee and follow through with an elbow.

A scuffle ensued in which Mr Gerrard appears to throw uppercuts at Mr McGee.

The player is next seen on camera back in the restaurant being held back by a friend.

The court had previously heard how Mr Gerrard "totally lost it" and hit Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a boxer" after a row about control of a CD player.

Five men, including Mr Doran, have pleaded guilty to affray, while one has admitted threatening behaviour.

The trial is expected to last a week.

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