Gerrard denies nightclub assault

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said Friday he would plead not guilty to any involvement in a nightclub brawl.

Gerrard, 28, appeared before magistrates over his alleged part in a fight at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport last month following Liverpool’s 5-1 defeat of Newcastle.

He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray along with two other men.

Company director Marcus McGee, 34, required hospital treatment after sustaining facial injuries in the incident.

Prosecution lawyer Nick Evans asked for the case to be heard next on April 3 after a 10-week break to prepare evidence.

But after submissions from the defence including Gerrard’s lawyer, the magistrates adjourned the case and ordered the next hearing to take place at the court in Southport on March 20.

Gerrard, a father of two young daughters who is married to model Alex Curran, spoke only to confirm his name and address and say he intended to plead not guilty along with the other defendants.

The Liverpool captain, was driven to North Sefton Magistrates’ court in Southport and jogged up the steps of the court dressed in a dark blue suit.

Dozens of photographers were kept back from the court entrance in a penned area.

Gerrard emerged from the half-hour hearing to thank photographers and a handful of supporters.

The timing of the next hearing allows Liverpool’s most influential player to concentrate on spearheading the club’s attempt to win their first Premiership title since 1990 as well as the Champions League last 16 ties against Real Madrid. The second leg of that tie takes place on March 10.

Gerrard is expected to play when Liverpool take on local rivals Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday.