The captain of the English Premier League soccer team FC Liverpool Steven Gerrard, was temporarily arrested early Monday morning following a brawl outside a bar in Southport near Liverpool, England.
The 28-year-old soccer star had been celebrating the team’s 5-1 victory over Newcastle United at the nightclub ‘Lounge Inn’. Around 2:30 am, police were notified of a disturbance before the club. Gerrard and five other men were arrested for assault. A 34-year-old man was brought to the hospital with facial injuries.
After spending more than 24 hours in jail, Gerrard was released on bail. He and two others involved in the fight have a court date set for Jan. 23.
The arrest of one of England’s best soccer players has shocked the soccer world, especially given Gerrard’s reputation as a role model on and off the pitch. Only in 2001 had Gerrard had to excuse himself to then-National coach Goeran Eriksson for drinking too much at the Three Lions pub.
The arrest is also surprising since Gerrard’s team is now poised to take the championship for the first time in 19 years. Following the 5-1 victory over Newcastle, Gerrard was in high spirits. “This is the best team I’ve ever played on,” he said. “From the forwards to the defense to the goalies, we have nothing but world-class players.”
Liverpool fans will have to hope that the case can be cleared up soon.
