Gerrard assault charge is dropped

An assault charge against England and Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard has been dropped. The 28-year-old still faces a charge of affray in connection with an incident at a nightclub in Southport. Six other men face the same charge.

Mr Gerrard had been in the Lounge Inn after a 5-1 win over Newcastle United when a disturbance broke out. A 34-year-old man had suffered facial injuries in the incident in December, North Sefton magistrates were told.

Nick Evans, prosecuting, told the court that after a “review of the evidence in full” it was decided that all seven defendants should only face affray charges.