CCTV footage showing Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard “letting his fists and not his feet” do the talking as he allegedly rained punches on a Merseyside businessman has been played to jurors.

The images were shown as the Anfield talisman began his trial accused of repeatedly striking father-of-two Marcus McGee following a row at a Southport nightclub.

Gerrard, of Formby, denies a single charge of affray from December 29, last year. The married father-of-two, 29, had been enjoying a night out with friends after scoring twice in a 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United to take LFC top of the 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 the Lounge Inn nightspot on Bold Street at about 2am.

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 was “pondering the refusal” before challenging Mr McGee at the bar.

Jurors heard that as the two confronted each other, Gerrard’s friend John Doran pushed Mr McGee and then swung his elbow at him.

It is then alleged Gerrard became involved, throwing uppercut punches.

He was led away and was not involved in a later confrontation between his party and Mr McGee.

Minutes later the group were ushered out of the building by the venue’s owner.

Mr Turner said: “We do not say Mr Gerrard is normally an arrogant man, we don’t say he is a bully.

“But we do say that, that night he just lost his self-control and joined in an attack which should never have taken place. He let himself down.”

In interview, Gerrard claimed he was acting in self-defence.