Source: Eurosport
Gerrard Denies Nightclub Attack
England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has denied being involved in a nightclub fight.[LNB]The Reds captain formally pleaded not guilty to affray when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court.[LNB]Gerrard, 28, was accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn, Southport, in the early hours of December 29 last year.[LNB]His appearance came on the day he signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him at Anfield until 2013.[LNB]Asked how he pleaded, the father of two, dressed smartly in a single-breasted dark blue suit, said in a loud voice: "Not guilty."[LNB]He appeared alongside six other men who also denied affray - a charge stemming from a melee after Gerrard celebrated Liverpool's 5-1 destruction of Newcastle.[LNB]Today, the Recorder of Liverpool Henry Globe QC adjourned the trial to July 20.[LNB]Because of Gerrard's standing as Liverpool captain, there had been discussion in legal circles about whether the trial would be moved to another city.[LNB]But Judge Globe, saying careful consideration would be given to jury members' interests, kept the case in Liverpool.[LNB]He checked with prosecuting barrister Brian Cummings QC and the rest of counsel today whether his own interest in football - and visits to Anfield - had any bearing on him presiding over the trial.[LNB]He said: "I want to make it quite plain, my own position, I want it to be clearly understood.[LNB]"I am not a season ticket-holder, nor regular attender at Anfield, but it would be right to say I have been a visitor at Anfield as a guest on occasions.[LNB]"I have a general interest in football and watched many football matches, though not live, with many different clubs, not just Liverpool."[LNB]The assembled barristers agreed that was fine.[LNB]The seven defendants were given bail with conditions not to contact witnesses nor to enter the Lounge Inn unless with a legal representative.[LNB]
