Gerrard faces court hearing today

Liverpool star Steven Gerrard was expected to formally plead not guilty today to charges of assault and affray.

The player will appear before magistrates in Southport, Merseyside, with six other men.

The 28-year-old midfielder indicated at his last appearance that he would deny the charges which stem from a fight at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport.

Gerrard was celebrating the Reds’ 5-1 demolition of Newcastle in the early hours of December 29 when trouble began.

It is alleged businessman Marcus McGee (aged 34) of Southport, lost a tooth and was cut in the face during the melee.

Appearing alongside Gerrard are Accrington Stanley players – goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin (aged 28) of Guildford Road, Southport, and midfielder Robert Grant (aged 18) of Enstone Avenue, Litherland.

Both are charged with affray.

Also in the dock will be John Doran (aged 29) of Woodlands Road, and Ian Smith (aged 19) of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, Merseyside.

In January the pair indicated they would also deny assault and affray along with Gerrard.

John McGrattan (aged 33) of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, is charged with affray.

Paul McGrattan (aged 31) of Linden Drive, Huyton, faces counts of assault and affray.