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Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has been handed a one-match touchline ban along with an £8,000 fine following his dismissal during Chelsea’s thrilling 2-1 win against Liverpool earlier this month, as reported by BBC Sport.
The Italian manager received a second yellow card from referee Anthony Taylor after he burst onto the pitch to celebrate Estevao Willian’s last-gasp winner against the defending Premier League champions. Maresca had previously been cautioned for dissent during the match, which led to his sending off during stoppage time for his enthusiastic celebration.
In a statement, the Football Association confirmed that Maresca accepted the charge of improper conduct and acknowledged the standard penalty. “It is alleged that the manager acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour,” the FA stated.
This suspension means that Maresca will not be on the touchline for Chelsea’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, with assistant coach Willy Caballero stepping in to manage the team in his absence.
This incident marks Maresca’s second touchline ban since taking the helm at Stamford Bridge in June 2024. The 45-year-old previously received a one-match suspension after celebrating a late winner by Pedro Neto against Fulham last season.
GFN | Finn Entwistle