It is understood that the DJ, Marcus McGee, who was a guest at the club, was sitting behind the bar when Gerrard asked him to change the music. He is then said to have asked for the music card that operates the sound system. Mr McGee apparently refused.

Subsequently Gerrard is said to have caught the alleged victim with an elbow, although it is not known whether this was deliberate or not. This incident is thought to have sparked the wider brawl.

Gerrard and five other men aged between 18 and 33 were arrested after the row. Merseyside Police said that Gerrard was arrested on suspicion of inflicting a malicious wound without a weapon, which amounts to grievous bodily harm. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Mr McGee, who is thought to be a supporter of Liverpool's great rival, Manchester United, was taken to hospital, where he received treatment for facial injuries before being released. His family said that he suffered a cut nose and swollen eye and was given four stitches. He also lost a tooth.