An assault charge against England footballer Steven Gerrard has been dropped.
The Liverpool midfielder still faces a charge of affray in connection with an incident at a nightclub in Southport.
The 28-year-old had been in the Lounge Inn nightclub celebrating a 5-1 win over Newcastle when a disturbance broke out on 29 December.
A 34-year-old man had suffered facial injuries, North Sefton Magistrates’ Court was told.
Gerrard was not required to make a formal plea in relation to the affray charge which he now faces.
The footballer, and six other defendants, will have a plea and case management hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 3 April.