Gerrard brawl: Man tells of blows

Jul 22 2009

The man allegedly attacked by England footballer Steven Gerrard during a bar room brawl has described the incident in court.

Marcus McGee, 34, said he faced a "barrage" of blows after the Liverpool captain asked him who he thought he was when refused to hand over control of a CD player.

Gerrard, 29, who is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court, denies affray.

Mr McGee lost a front tooth crown in the attack in the early hours of December 29 last year, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Mr McGee said: "I remember a barrage of punches coming in at my face but I didn't know who has done what. Having watched the CCTV it was obvious Steven Gerrard hits me a couple of times, maybe three times but I couldn't honestly say on the night. I didn't know who did what."

Mr McGee, wearing a smart blue suit and striped tie, said he was in the Lounge Inn with his girlfriend Gina Lond and was asked by the manager to be in charge of the music. He said the millionaire father-of-two footballer tried to grab a card from his hand which controlled the stereo. Mr McGee said he refused and Gerrard walked away.

But Gerrard, wearing a blue v-neck jumper, later returned to businessman Mr McGee, who was sitting alone at the bar, the court heard.

Asked if he could recall what was said, he added: "Not really. I gave my statement in the 100 per cent firm belief it was Steven Gerrard who hit me first. I was concentrating primarily on Steven because he was so close to me.

"The next thing I knew there was a bloke at the side of me. I gave that statement in good faith but changed it after watching the CCTV."

Mr McGee said he was innocent, saying: "I didn't throw any punches, I wasn't acting aggressively, I didn't hit anyone at all."