What happened?Police officers arrested Steven Gerrard and 5 other men following an alleged row over music in the Lounge Inn, Southport.
Where and what is the venue?The Lounge Inn is on Bold Street, Southport. It is best described as a trendy, glamorous venue. Good food is on offer in the restaurant and you can enjoy a late drink as the downstairs dining area is converted into an extension of the bar later in the evening.
Why was Gerrard arrested?A formal complaint was made against him.
Was he charged?Yes he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and affray. But that doesn't mean that he is guilty of either of the offences. Basically the police feel they have enough evidence to warrant charges but they now have to prove his guilt in court, Gerrard doesn't have to prove his innocence.
Was anyone else charged?Yes. John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19 years, both from Huyton, also with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.
Did anyone get hurt?Yes. A 34-year-old local man called Marcus McGee lost a tooth and needed four stitches to a head wound following the incident.
Who is Marcus McGee?It is reported that he's a 34-year-old DJ who allegedly clashed with Gerrard by pushing him in the chest following an alleged row over music. Various reports then claim that Gerrard allegedly caught McGee with his elbow and a fracas broke out involving others. Eye witnesses say they never saw Gerrard throw any punches. It is claimed that Marcus McGee is a Manchester United supporter. There is no proof as yet that McGee or Gerrard did anything wrong.
Was Gerrard drunk?An independent witness, John Watts, whos daughter was celebrating her 35th birthday at the venue, said: "When Steven Gerrard found out it was my daughter's birthday he bought her a bottle of champagne. He seemed in very good spirits. He wasn't drunk at all. It was a really civilised occasion in a middle-class bar."
Shouldn't Gerrard have been in bed, he is after all a professional footballer?No. He had permission from Liverpool Football Club to attend a venue not known for trouble. According to at least one independent witness, he wasn't drunk. Admittedly nobody wants to see a Liverpool player caught up in any trouble but these situations often find professional footballers when trying to mind their own business. Jealousy and bitching is common, so too is aggrivation from rival supporters.
What happens next?The three men charged are due before North Sefton magistrates on January 23rd.
What is Affray?These websites will explain it much clearer than we could attempt to
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Wikipedia (Affray explained)*
The Online Court (Procedure, sentencing etc)What is ABH?These websites will explain it much clearer than we could attempt to
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Wikipedia (ABH explained)*
The Online Court (Procedure, sentencing etc)Did he do it?We have no idea and it's certainly not for us to speculate and neither should you.
Why didn't Liverpool Football Club issue a statement when Gerrard was arrested?They didn't know the facts, just like the police didn't. There was also, and still is, an ongoing criminal investigation. Liverpool Football Club will comment if they feel the need to. A man also received hospital treatment and he could be an innocent victim himself.
Is Rafa mad about it all?He could do without it but that doesn't mean that he isn't supportive of the player. Steven will be supported by the club, KopTalk and other supporters, he is after all still an innocent man. It is now in the hands of the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts.
