London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was charged with assault and affray on Tuesday after an incident outside a nightclub in Southport.

The 28-year-old England midfielder was one of three men charged over the disturbance, which occurred near the Lounge Inn, in Southport, in the early hours of Monday morning.

A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with facial injuries after the incident.

In a statement, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police has charged Steven Gerrard, 28 years, of Formby, Sefton, John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19 years, both from Huyton, Liverpool, with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray following an incident at Bold Street in Southport in the early hours of Monday, December 29.

"The three men will be appearing at North Sefton Magistrates' Court on January 23."

Gerrard had been celebrating with friends after his two goals had helped Liverpool maintain top spot in the English Premier League with a 5-1 win at Newcastle United. (dpa)