Gerrard charged with ABH and affray
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England footballer Steven Gerrard was today charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an alleged nightclub brawl, Merseyside police said.
The Liverpool captain was charged this morning along with two other men who had also been arrested after an altercation outside a late-night bar in Southport, Merseyside in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The venue's DJ, a 34-year-old local man, required hospital treatment after suffering facial injuries.
Gerrard, 28, was released from Southport police station early this morning.
He was at the restaurant and bar - which turns into a nightclub - with friends to celebrate Liverpool's 5-1 destruction of Newcastle United.
In a statement, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police has charged Steven Gerrard, 28 years, of Formby, Sefton, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19 years, both from Huyton, Liverpool, with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an incident at Bold Street in Southport in the early hours of Monday, December 29.
"The three men will be appearing at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23."
The spokesman said Gerrard and the two other men had been bailed and three other men, aged 18, 31 and 33, who were arrested in connection with the incident were bailed pending further inquiries.
After the game on Sunday the Reds' captain, who scored twice, hailed his table-topping side as the best he has played in.
But several hours later he was apparently caught up in a brawl outside the Lounge Inn in Bold Street.
Police were called and arrested six men on suspicion of assault in nearby Lord Street.
The town centre business remained shut yesterday but evidence of a fight inside could be seen through the windows.
Spots of blood were clearly visible on the floor, along with shards of broken glass.
Gerrard has been capped by England 70 times and has captained his country on four occasions.
He was made an MBE last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.
Liverpool's next match is against Preston in the FA Cup on Saturday.