LIVERPOOL FC captain Steven Gerrard was this afternoon sensationally cleared of  a charge of affray in a Southport night club.

A jury took just 75 minutes to unanimously find the Huyton-born midfielder not guilty of the charge, which related to a bar brawl on December 29 last year.

Judge Henry Globe told Gerrard: “You walk away from this court with your reputation intact.”

Gerrard showed no emotion as the verdict was read out at Liverpool crown court, but outside he said: "Can I just say how pleased I am with today's verdict. I am glad to put this case behind me.

"I'm really looking forward to the season ahead and concentrating on my football now. I want to say a big thank you to my legal team, friends and family and everyone at Liverpool FC for supporting me." Gerrard was flanked by LFC solicitor Richard Green and club official Owen Brown, who has accompanied Gerrard to court every day, as he spoke.

Liverpool players in Singapore during a  training session heard the news immediately and, led by Jamie Carragher, linked arms and cheered, watched by several hundred fans who began to sing Steven Gerrard's name at the news.

Judge Globe had earlier directed the jury that they should only find him guilty if they are sure he used “unlawful and unnecessary violence” during the brawl.

The seven women and five men on the panel at Liverpool crown court heard three days of evidence and retired to consider their verdict at 11.30am.
Before they left the court Recorder of Liverpool Henry Globe summed up the case.

“This has been a short trial in relation to an even shorter incident.

“The shortness of the proceedings though do not make them any less important.

“They are of considerable importance to Marcus McGee, Steven Gerrard and everyone who became involved in the explosion of violence at the Lounge Bar in Southport last December.”

He reminded the jury that the burden of proof lay with the prosecution.

“Before you are able to convict him, the prosecution must have made you sure he is guilty. Nothing less. If you are not anything less than sure the verdict should be not guilty.”

The jury has heard closing speeches from both prosecution and defence barristers.

Gerrard, 29, of Formby, had denied one count of affray.

It was alleged he attacked businessman Marcus McGee, 34, in the Lounge Inn, on Bold Street, in the early hours of December 29.