Steven Gerrard

Gerrard publicly explained that Al-Ettifaq's coaching staff had sometimes arranged training times so that he could watch Liverpool matches. His comments fuelled criticism from supporters during a period of poor results. His team subsequently won only five of its first 17 league matches in 2024-2025, and Gerrard left the club by mutual agreement on 30 January 2025, despite having signed a contract extension until 2027 a year earlier.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Gerrard was photographed or filmed in social settings with Liam Byrne and Nathan Little, the latter having been described in court as a low-ranking member of the Byrne Organised Crime Group. His daughter Lilly-Ella was also in a relationship with Lee Byrne, Liam Byrne's son. These connections prompted media and police warnings about potential reputational risks for Gerrard.

Gerrard's decision to become coach of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia prompted criticism from organisations and supporters concerning human rights and football's role in Saudi sportswashing. LGBT+ groups notably highlighted the contrast with his previous public support for inclusion in football.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gerrard confronted referee John Beaton at half-time during a match against Livingston over a decision involving Alfredo Morelos. He accepted a one-match sanction following the incident.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gerrard was named among sportspeople and celebrities who invested in Ingenious film financing partnerships whose tax treatment was challenged by HMRC. Investors, including Gerrard according to press reports, were subsequently involved in civil actions concerning their losses.

State of the evidence

Documented

Following an Old Firm defeat against Celtic, Gerrard was sanctioned for remarks made to referee Bobby Madden. He accepted a one-match suspension.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Brought on at half-time against Manchester United, Gerrard was sent off approximately 38 seconds later for stamping on Ander Herrera. The incident became one of the most widely discussed dismissals of his career.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following Liverpool's League Cup semi-final victory at Manchester City, Gerrard and Roberto Mancini argued in the tunnel about a tackle by Glen Johnson. Gerrard accused Mancini of double standards after the City manager had called for a sending-off, despite criticising Wayne Rooney for similar behaviour a few days earlier.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Gerrard was prosecuted following a fight in a Southport bar. The assault charge was dropped before trial, and he was tried for affray. He acknowledged delivering three blows but maintained that he had acted in self-defence. The jury acquitted him in July 2009.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Following a match against Bolton, Gerrard and Mohamed Sissoko were accused of stamping on or striking opponents in disputed incidents. The FA brought no further proceedings against Gerrard because the referee had seen the incident.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Directly implicated

Six weeks after winning the Champions League with Liverpool, Gerrard submitted a transfer request on 5 July 2005 while Chelsea were seeking to sign him. The decision prompted an angry reaction from some supporters, including the burning of shirts and graffiti branding him a traitor. The following day, he made a dramatic U-turn and announced that he wanted to remain at Liverpool.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Directly implicated

The FA suspended Gerrard for three matches for violent conduct following video review of a two-footed tackle on Gary Naysmith during a derby against Everton.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated