England star Steven Gerrard has been found not guilty of affray by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court.
The 29-year-old was accused following an incident in a Merseyside nightclub in December 2008.
Gerrard had admitted punching businessman Marcus McGee, 34, during an argument over music at the Lounge Inn in Southport, but said he acted in self-defence.
On Thursday, the Liverpool captain apologised for lashing out at Mr McGee, but denied losing control in the confrontation.
After just over an hour of deliberation, the jury accepted his explanation and returned a 'not guilty' verdict.
Five of Gerrard's friends had already pleaded guilty to affray charges.
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.
Via: Yahoo! Sport
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