Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has pleaded innocent on account of assault. Last month, Gerrard was charged for assaulting a man during a night club brawl.

The 28-year-old was accused of assaulting Marcus McGee at the Lounge Inn, Southport. The incident occurred after Gerrard scored two goals in Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle. Gerrard allegedly beat McGee with the help of teammates John Doran and Ian Smith.

Photographers were prevented from the magistrate’s court when Gerrard arrived for his hearing. Prosecutor Nick Evans requested that the case be heard on April, which gives him a 10-week preparation period. However, the magistrates decided to schedule the hearing on March 20.