Liverpool backs Gerrard after assault charge
Liverpool threw its full support behind captain Steven Gerrard on
Tuesday after he was charged with assault and affray in connection with
a brawl at a bar.
The England international, hailed as one of the world's best
midfielders, was charged earlier in the day alongside two other men
after spending 24 hours in police custody following the incident in the
seaside resort of Southport in Merseyside.
A conviction on occasioning actual bodily harm and affray carries a
maximum five-year prison sentence.
But Liverpool is adamant that its talismanic player will remain a
vital part of the club's push for a first English league title since
1990 while retaining the backing of manager Rafa Benitez.
"Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10
years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time,"
Liverpool said in a statement.
The 28-year-old Gerrard will be in contention for Saturday's FA Cup
match at Preston after being released on bail to appear in court on Jan.
23, 2009 and is expected back in training Wednesday. John Doran, 29, and
Ian Smith, 19, who are from the Huyton area of Liverpool where Gerrard
grew up, were charged with the same offenses by Merseyside Police. In
the altercation outside the Lounge Inn, the bar's 34-year-old disc
jockey, Marcus McGee, lost a tooth and was cut on his forehead.
LONDON, AP |