Steven Gerrard got a rousing reception of cheers and applause from more 2000 Liverpool fans when he turned-out in a friendly at Prenton Park.
The Liverpool captain wasted no time after his court victory and got back on the pitch with an appearance for a Liverpool XI against Tranmere Rovers.
Whilst the Reds squad were in Asia for their pre-season tour, the 29-year-old was left at home while he stood trial on charges of affray at Liverpool Crown Court.
But as he left the court he pledged to put the case behind him and "concentrate on football" and expected turned out to skipper a team of Anfield youngsters in a friendly at Prenton Park.
Gerrard certainly got a good work-out against the Tranmere side who were at full strength and with something to prove under their new boss John Barnes.
Gerrard was involved in much of the midfield action and seemed to be enjoying himself with a good work-out to test his stamina while battling back to full fitness.
And it was the hosts who took the lead when Tranmere scored with a Chris Suker header from a Paul McLaren corner just before the half-time.
Rovers manager and former Kop hero John Barnes said he believed that the inclusion of Gerrard could serve as a motivation for the Super Whites players.
"I want our players to believe that while Steven Gerrard is a great player, they can compete against him. There is no reason why we, as a team, can't compete against the best players and the best teams," Barnes said before the kick-off.
Barnes added: "Playing against Steven Gerrard should give our players confidence. If they put in a good performance they will know they can compete with players at the highest level."
On the way out onto the pitch Gerrard signed a couple of autographs and in the warm-up Gerrard was seen laughing and joking with his young team-mates.
Gareth Edds put Tranmere into a two goal lead in the first part of the second half.
But then Liverpool came back to cancel out the lead with goals from Gerrard and Alan Hammil.
Gerrard left the pitch to repturous applause from the army of Liverpool fans who had turned out to see the Liverpool XI pre-season freindly.
The match ended Tranmere 2 Liverpool 2
(Pictures: Chris Phillips)
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