Assault charge against Liverpool star Steven Gerrard dropped

But the Liverpool captain still faces a charge of affray following a bar room brawl.

Businessman Marcus McGee, 34, lost a tooth and suffered a cut face in the fight in Southport, Merseyside.

Gerrard, 28, who appeared at North Sefton Magistrates' Court today, had been in the bar in the early hours of December 29 celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle United.

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.

He said assault charges were also dropped against John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, Merseyside.

Appearing alongside Gerrard today were Accrington Stanley players - goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport, and midfielder Robert Grant, 18, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland.

Also in the dock were John McGrattan, 33, of Rimmer Avenue, and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, both Huyton.

Chairman of the bench Dr Pamela James committed the case to Liverpool Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on 3 April.

No formal pleas have yet been made.

Gerrard arrived at court after the other six defendants.

Wearing a charcoal grey suit and a dark blue tie he shook hands with his co-accused and stood chatting with them for 15 minutes before the case began.

After the brief hearing he left court to be ferried away by a driver.