Gerrard charged after alleged assault

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Premier League leaders Liverpool threw their "full support" behind Steven Gerrard after their captain was charged with assault on Tuesday following an incident at a local nightclub.

Gerrard, 28, and two other men were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and affray, Merseyside police said. They are scheduled to appear in court on January 23.

In the wake of the charges, Liverpool issued a statement on their official Web site.

"Steven has been an outstanding servant to Liverpool for 10 years and the club will give him all the support he needs at this time," it read. The offenses with which Gerrard have been charged carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Three other men, who were also arrested, were released without charge pending further inquiries.

Gerrard was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning and eventually charged after over 20 hours in police custody.

His wife Alex Curran was seen near the police station where he was held but drove off without talking to reporters.

Gerrard had been celebrating his side's 5-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday when the alleged altercation occurred.

He had scored two goals in the victory at St James' Park which left Liverpool top of the English Premier League and on course for their first English title in 18 years.

He was released on bail to appear in court on January 23 with John Doran, 29, and Ian Smith, 19, who were charged with the same offenses.

Gerrard, who has spent his entire career with Liverpool, is one of the most celebrated players in the club's history and renowned as a model professional.

In 2005 he lifted the European Cup -- Liverpool's fifth -- after a thrilling penalty shooting victory over AC Milan and turned down the advances of cash-rich Chelsea to stay with his local club.

The midfielder has also made 70 appearances for England, captaining his country on four occasions.

He was made an Member of the British Empire (MBE) last year and received an honorary fellowship from Liverpool's John Moores University.

Liverpool's next match is against Preston in the English FA Cup on Saturday, a game Gerrard may well have been rested from due to the heavy workload of the leading teams.