Gerrard in dock to face affray allegation

England footballer Steven Gerrard was in the dock today as jurors waited to be called to try his affray trial.

The Liverpool captain, 29, stood next to his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court in a dark grey suit and black suede shoes.

The millionaire star took his place behind the glass sealed dock in courtroom 4:1 as Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, adjourned the hearing until 2.15pm for legal discussions.

The midfielder arrived early at court to meet his solicitor Richard Green for discussions ahead of the trial opening.

The father-of-two is accused of affray - which he denies.

Following legal submissions, the case was adjourned again until tomorrow morning without a jury being sworn in.

It is alleged Gerrard was involved in a nightclub melee in Southport in the early hours of 29 December in which businessman Marcus McGee, 34, was injured.

The footballer, nicknamed The Huyton Hammer for his combative style, was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United when trouble began.

Gerrard, of Formby, Merseyside, is jointly charged with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Road, Litherland.

Also on trial are John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all of Huyton, Merseyside.

The trial is scheduled to last between two and three weeks.