The jury in the trial of England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who punched a man in a Merseyside bar, has retired to consider its verdict.

The Liverpool FC captain has admitted hitting Marcus McGee, 34, in the Lounge Inn, Southport, in December last year but said he was defending himself.

The judge has summed up in the case at Liverpool Crown Court and the jury will decide if he is guilty of affray.

The 29-year-old footballer, of Formby, Merseyside, denies the charge.

Mr Gerrard was drinking with friends in the early hours of 29 December last year to celebrate Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Newcastle United.

Mr McGee was in charge of the music in the bar when Mr Gerrard asked him if he could choose some songs, the court heard.

The prosecution says Mr Gerrard became furious that his request was refused and "lost it", punching Mr McGee "with the style and speed of a professional boxer".

Mr Gerrard says he was acting in self-defence, having mistakenly believed Mr McGee was about to attack him.

Five of his friends have already admitted affray.

They are Ian Gerrard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue; John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road; and Paul McGrattan, 31, of Linden Drive, all Huyton; and Accrington Stanley footballers Robert Grant, 19, of Enstone Avenue, Litherland; and Ian Dunbavin, 28, of Guildford Road, Southport.

Another friend, John McGrattan, 34, of Rimmer Avenue, Huyton, admitted threatening behaviour. </p

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