Steven Gerrard
CCTV footage showing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard allegedly punching a businessman with the "style and speed of a professional boxer" has been played to jurors.
The images were shown as the England midfielder began his trial accused of repeatedly striking father-of-two Marcus McGee following a confrontation at a Southport nightclub.
Gerrard, of Formby, denies a single charge of affray from December 29, last year.
Married dad-of-two Gerrard, 29, had been enjoying a night out with friends afters scoring twice in a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United to take the Reds top of the Barclay's Premier League.
But the Liverpool Crown Court jury heard Gerrard "totally lost it" after Mr McGee refused to allow him to choose the music at nightspot the Lounge Inn on Bold Street.
David Turner QC, prosecuting, told how Gerrard was "astounded" and his mood changed.
He added: "Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard, but Mr McGee did."
He described how the Huyton-born midfielder's mood dramatically changed and he could be seen "pondering the refusal"
As he played the CCTV footage, Mr Turner described how Gerrard could be seen "musing over what happened about the man who had said 'no' to Steven Gerrard.
About six minutes later, he can be seen approaching Mr McGee, who is sat alone at the bar.
