Crowds expected for Gerrard court appearance.

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard will make his first court appearance today.

Gerrard will appear at North Sefton Magistrates Court to answer an assault charge after an alleged brawl at the Lounge Inn in December.

Police have put a series of measures in place including a detachment of more than 30 police officers to maintain order outside the court. More police will control Southport's traffic flow.

Paparazzi will be corralled into a designated area in front of the building with any press required to present a pass to gain entry to the court building.

Gerrard will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He will appear alongside John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton.

There have been several other arrests in the case which saw part-time DJ Marcus McGee suffer bruises and a missing tooth on December 29.

Coleen Rooney's youngest brother, Anthony McLoughlin, 19 was arrested of assault and affray. He was released without charge on police bail.

And 28-year-old Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin was arrested at his Southport home and questioned on suspicion of assault and affray before being baileds.

FOR up-to-date news and video log on this morning to liverpooldailypost.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

Steven Gerrard - will appear before magistrates in Southport today