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Gerrard fight case jury retires Gerrard cleared after bar brawl
(about 1 hour later)
The jury in the trial of England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who punched a man in a Merseyside bar, has retired to consider its verdict. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been cleared of affray after punching a man in a Merseyside bar.
The Liverpool FC captain has admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in the Lounge Inn, Southport, in December last year but said he was defending himself. The England midfielder admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in the Lounge Inn, Southport, in December last year but denied a charge of affray.
The judge has summed up in the case at Liverpool Crown Court and the jury will decide if he is guilty of affray. A jury at Liverpool Crown Court agreed with Mr Gerrard's assertion that he was acting in self-defence.
The 29-year-old footballer, of Formby, Merseyside, denies the charge. The 29-year-old footballer, of Formby, Merseyside, denied the charge. Five others admitted affray.
Mr Gerrard was drinking with friends in the early hours of 29 December last year to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United.Mr Gerrard was drinking with friends in the early hours of 29 December last year to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United.
The row started over music being played in the bar
Mr McGee was in charge of the music in the bar when Mr Gerrard asked him if he could choose some songs, the court heard.
The prosecution says Mr Gerrard became furious that his request was refused and "lost it", punching Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a professional boxer".
Mr Gerrard says he was acting in self-defence, having mistakenly believed Mr McGee was about to attack him.
Five of his friends have already admitted affray.Five of his friends have already admitted affray.
They are Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton; and Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland; and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport.They are Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton; and Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland; and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport.
Another friend, John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour.Another friend, John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour.