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Gerrard co-accused admit affray Gerrard 'struck with boxer speed'
(about 1 hour later)
Six co-defendants of footballer Steven Gerrard have admitted being involved in a brawl in a Merseyside bar. Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard lost his temper and hit a man "with the style and speed of a boxer" during a row over music, a court has heard.
They pleaded guilty to their involvement in an incident at the Lounge Inn, Southport, last year, as their trial was due to get under way. Marcus McGee, 34, was assaulted by the England midfielder when he refused to hand over control of a CD player at the Lounge Inn, Southport, it was alleged.
Mr Gerrard, 29, has denied affray and will now face trial alone as it begins at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday. Mr Gerrard, 29, took offence when the businessman refused the request, said David Turner QC, prosecuting.
The midfielder, of Formby, Merseyside, had been celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United at the bar. Mr Gerrard is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court and denies affray.
The midfielder, of Formby, Merseyside, had been celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United at the bar.
Marcus McGee was injured in the bar in the early hours of 29 December 2008.Marcus McGee was injured in the bar in the early hours of 29 December 2008.
Five of the defendants have admitted affray and one admitted a lesser charge of section 4 threatening behaviour. Accrington Stanley
Football loyalties Five other defendants have admitted affray and one admitted a lesser charge of section 4 threatening behaviour.
John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour after denying affray.John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour after denying affray.
Those who admitted affray were: Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton.Those who admitted affray were: Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton.
Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstsone Avenue, Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport, also admitted affray.Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstsone Avenue, Litherland, and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport, also admitted affray.
A jury panel was asked questions about their football loyalty by Judge Henry Globe during selection ahead of the trial. The trial continues.
He said: "Do you confirm that you would be able to put aside any football loyalty or partiality and to take and abide by the strict terms of the oath or affirmation?"
The hearing was adjourned while the panel answered the questions.