Steven Gerrard wins libel case

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/6426923.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has accepted undisclosed libel damages over a claim he was considering a move to Spanish club Real Madrid.

The action, at the High Court in London, was made against London Sport Magazine for an article that was published last January.

Solicitor Gerrard Tyrell said the piece caused the player and his family, "embarrassment and distress."

The publishers acknowledged the allegations were entirely untrue.

The magazine said Gerrard had booked into the same hotel as Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, and speculated that talks were underway for a big money move, the court heard.

No talks

Similar, but less detailed, allegations were also made in an article in February.

But the court heard Echo Publishing Ltd, who print the magazine, did not contact the player or his agent to check the facts before the story was published.

Mr Tyrell told the court: "The true position is that Steven Gerrard has not been involved in secret talks with Real Madrid or indeed any other football club relating to a possible move.

"He is more than happy at Liverpool, to whom he is contracted."

Echo Publishing Ltd has agreed to pay Gerrard damages and his legal costs and apologised for the distress caused.