LIVERPOOL FC captain Steven Gerrard will “strenuously” fight a claim for damages from the businessman he punched in a Southport nightclub.

Gerrard was cleared of affray last month following the fight with Marcus McGee, but six of the Liverpool midfielder’s friends received suspended jail terms and community service.

Mr McGee, 34, who lost a front tooth and suffered facial cuts in the incident last December, said he has told lawyers to begin civil action for compensation for the injuries he received.

Mr Gerrard’s solicitor, Richard Green, said: “If proceedings are issued we will strenuously defend them.”

“In terms of any claim, my client was charged with section 47 assault but that was dropped because there was no evidence that he caused any injuries.

“I would have thought that if there was going to be a claim it would be against the six who pleaded guilty as opposed to the one who was acquitted.”

He said the first time he became aware of Mr McGee’s intention to sue was when he read the Sunday newspapers.

“I have not spoken to my client, but I have got a fair idea of what he would say,” he added.