Steven Gerrard arrested after bar brawl

[Elano]

Merseyside cops are investigating an alleged assault at a nightclub at about 2.30am this morning.

A police spokesman said: “Six men were arrested on suspicion of assault in Lord Street.

“The men, four aged 33, 31, 29 and 19, who all come from the Huyton area, a 28-year-old man from Formby and an 18-year-old man from Litherland remain in police custody.

“A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life threatening."


Disturbance

Gerrard went out with friends following his side’s 5-1 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The Reds captain, who scored twice, yesterday hailed his table-topping Liverpool side as the best he has played in.

He called on everyone at Anfield to enjoy being top of the league after Liverpool extended their lead over Chelsea thanks to the emphatic win.

Speaking after the game, Gerrard said: “I think we’ve got to enjoy it. We will play our best football if we are relaxed and composed.

“I think it’s important for us to remain humble, keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard.”

Gerrard was arrested after a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, a modern restaurant close to the junction of Bold Street and Stanley Street.

The eatery converts into a late night club venue with live music and DJs. No-one was available to comment today.

The well-to-do seaside town is a popular venue for wealthy footballers looking for a night out.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said the club would not be commenting on the alleged incident.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2076643.ece

[Elano]

SOCCER star Steven Gerrard could face up to five years in jail after he was charged with assault last night over a punch-up in which a DJ was beaten.

Liverpool and England midfielder Gerrard, 28, was nicked with five pals after fighting broke out early yesterday.

Part-time DJ Marcus McGee, 34, needed four stitches to head wounds.

Blood and shards of broken glass could still be seen on the floor of a pub after the punch-up which left England soccer hero Gerrard in police custody.

Gerrard was nicked as he celebrated scoring twice in his side’s 5-1 trouncing of Newcastle on Sunday — and charged with assault and affray after nine hours of questioning.

A shocked witness said: “Someone made a comment and it all went off.”

McGee was rushed to hospital after fighting broke out in the Lounge Inn bar-restaurant at around 2.30am yesterday.

Detectives were speaking to witnesses and scouring CCTV from the bar and surrounding streets.

The venue, which turns into a late club at night, is close to Gerrard’s mansion home in Formby.

It is understood there was a row involving the player and Marcus, who had taken over the decks while the bar’s regular DJ took a break.

Elbow
Marcus was left in charge of a card which allowed the music to be changed — and Gerrard is said to have asked for a different tune.

But he refused to hand over the card, saying he could not alter the music policy.

A reveller said: “Marcus pushed Gerrard in the chest and, almost instinctively, Gerrard hit back with his elbow in Marcus’s mouth.

“Gerrard stepped back and walked away but his mates piled on top of Marcus and one of them smashed a beer bottle over his head. The whole thing lasted less than ten seconds.

“Gerrard was pulled out of the scrapping and it turned into a free-for-all.

The doormen all ran in and the club seemed to empty in seconds. We didn’t see who went where.

“People were rushing to Marcus’s side. He had a light-coloured shirt on and it was stained with blood.”

The DJ, a father of two young girls, needed four stitches to a head wound, had a tooth knocked out and suffered a suspected broken nose.

The witness said there had been bad feeling in the bar earlier.


He went on: “Marcus came into the club with two pals and some time later Gerrard walked in.

“One of Gerrard’s mates had a dispute with one of Marcus’s pals and they eyeballed each other.

“Marcus stepped in as peacemaker and it calmed down for a while.

“Everyone was drinking and having a good time. But when Marcus’s mates left, he was on his own and it was then that him and Gerrard started rowing by the dance floor.”

Another local resident said: “My best mate was in the bar just five minutes before it kicked off but he left because of the tense atmosphere.

He said that Stevie G started the night in a great mood and was merry but not drunk.

“My friend said Stevie was a bit snappy when someone started to try and take his photo when he was standing with his mates. Then, apparently, there was a minor fracas at the bar, not involving Gerrard.

“That’s when my friend decided to go — and then all hell let loose.”

Barmaid Eve Watts was also in the pub, celebrating her 35th birthday. She said: “I don’t want to be associated with what happened. I work there. I didn’t know who the person was that got hit.”

But her father John Watts, a retired lawyer, said: “It had been a really civilised occasion — a respectable party. I shook Gerrard's hand and told him, ‘Good luck to you’.

“When Gerrard found out it was Eve’s birthday he bought her a bottle of champagne. He seemed a gentle sort of chap. He was in good spirits.

“The party was quiet when I left. There was no sign of it kicking off. Then it went crazy.” Marcus stayed silent at his home in Southport last night. His mum Patricia, 61, said: “He had only gone for a quiet night out with his partner.


“He has ended up losing a tooth and the whole family is shaken up. I’m looking after his two little girls. We can’t believe that this happened. Fighting like this is just pathetic.”

Police had raced to the bar after the bust-up and arrested Gerrard and five pals.

A nearby newsagent said: “My milkman told me that there were police officers and forensics outside the club at about 5.30am after a fight had taken place.”

Gerrard was held overnight and it is understood police started questioning him and his mates yesterday lunchtime. Nine hours later he was still being quizzed.

He was released after almost 21 hours at 11.25pm.

Earlier Gerrard’s wife Alex Curran, 26, turned up in Southport at 1.30pm. She had a coffee close to the police station before heading home in her silver Bentley just before 3pm.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “Merseyside Police have charged Steven Gerrard, 28, of Formby, John Doran, 29, Ian Smith, 19, both of Huyton with assault causing actual bodily harm and affray following an incident in Bold Street, Southport.

"All three men will appear at North Sefton magistrates on January 23. Three other men who were interviewed over the same incident have been bailed.

“They were released earlier tonight.

“A 34-year-old man from Southport was taken to hospital with facial injuries.” It is believed Marcus has been told he will need surgery to fit a dental implant.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said the club would not be commenting.

Lounge Inn owner Mak Naidoo said: “We’ve got no comment to make.” The sister of the co-owner Dario Curcillo said of Gerrard: “As far as I know he comes here regularly.”

The bar’s website boasts “a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere”. It adds: “The venue later transforms into an exclusive night-spot incorporating live music and top DJs.”

Dad-of-two Gerrard has captained England four times. He was made an MBE last year and has an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.

Days ago he wrote a special Prayer for Liverpool for the city’s Anglican Cathedral.

It read: “My hope for Liverpool for 2009 would be an end to gun and knife crime, making the city a place our kids can grow up to be proud of.”

[KURUPTION-81]

Tut, tut , tut im just amazed it wasnt for robbery !

[K.Dub]

Such a good role model

[da_notorious_mack]

LOL @ both of you...who hasnt smacked some one in the mouth when they been out on the beer..the media just blew it up cus its Stevie plus at least he won

[K.Dub]

LOL @ both of you...who hasnt smacked some one in the mouth when they been out on the beer..the media just blew it up cus its Stevie plus at least he won

Stevie G in his position, a role model for kids, captain for his team, should reconsider handing out smacks.

[da_notorious_mack]

LOL @ both of you...who hasnt smacked some one in the mouth when they been out on the beer..the media just blew it up cus its Stevie plus at least he won

Stevie G in his position, a role model for kids, captain for his team, should reconsider handing out smacks.

you know why he's a role model??...because hes been a model professional his entire career...anyone can make a mistake


but he's not one of these that are falling out of night clubs nightly spit roasting girls etc

ronaldo
rooney
terry
ferdinand

have all made some monumental fuck ups yet these are overlooked..i say yeah he's made a mistake but ppl are over doing it a tad

he's hardly a joey barton

[K.Dub]

I really don't give a fuck, as long as he gets his punishment.

[tempo2]

yep like every celebrity they should be treated like everyday civilians

[Mygla]

but he's not one of these that are falling out of night clubs nightly spit roasting girls etc

ronaldo
rooney
terry
ferdinand

have all made some monumental fuck ups yet these are overlooked..i say yeah he's made a mistake but ppl are over doing it a tad

and at least three of those are known to be headless morons (Ronaldo, Rooney & Ferdinand)..

Hope Gerrard gets a long bid cause I really don't wanna see Liverpool win the PL.. I'd actually rather see Chelsea or United win it (Villa fan myself, but I don't see that happening just yet, i'll settle for top 4 this season )