Liverpool's Gerrard charged over bar assault

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard was charged with assault yesterday after a fight at a bar in northwest England, police said.

Gerrard, 28, was one of six men arrested in the early hours of December 29 after police were called to a bar in the town of Southport. A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.

"Steven Gerrard has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray," the duty inspector for Merseyside Police said.

The arrests followed Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle United on Sunday in which the Liverpool captain scored twice.

In a brief statement, the club said: "Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for the last 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time."

The English FA said it would not be making any comment on the Steven Gerrard case other than to stress that his position with England was not under question.

It added that players will continue to be considered for England while police investigations are on-going, with their situation looked at on a case-by-case basis were they to be convicted of a serious criminal offence.

Two men have been charged alongside Gerrard with the same offences. All three are due to appear before North Sefton magistrates on Jan. 23, accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray, according to a police statement.

Three other men have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.