A Liverpool court today found
Steven Gerrard not guilty of affray for his part in a brawl in a Merseyside bar in December 2008. The Liverpool captain was accused of attacking Marcus McGee, a 34-year-old businessman, after a row over music at the Lounge Inn in Southport Merseyside. The 29-year-old was out with friends in the early hours of December 29, celebrating Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Newcastle. Gerrard’s five co-defendants pleaded guilty, leaving the footballer to face trial alone. Gerrard admitted hitting Mr McGee and apologised for lashing out, but denied losing control. Gerrard denied affray and said he was acting in self-defence. “I couldn’t understand why the guy had such a problem with me, why he was so aggressive,” Gerrard explained. “I was also concerned that if I did leave it I would not have been able to enjoy my night; he may have come over to me. Very quickly he came off the bar stool and was in my face right by me.” The Liverpool jury accepted Gerrard’s explanation. His six friends are due to be sentenced at a later date, for their different crimes.
