Wayne Rooney's brother-in-law has been arrested in connection with the same nightclub incident that has seen Liverpool's Steven Gerrard charged with assault. A spokesman confirmed on behalf of Coleen, the wife of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, that Anthony McLoughlin had been arrested.

"All we can say is to confirm he was arrested and confirm he was released without charge," a statement read.

"There will be no other comment from Coleen, Wayne or Coleen's family."

Merseyside police stated that McLoughlin had been released pending further enquiries. His father, Mr Tony McLoughlin, 49, told the Daily Mirror his son had "not done anything."