Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-match touchline ban and fined £8,000 after being sent off for wildly celebrating the winning goal in the team’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool. The Italian manager received two yellow cards during the match, the second for sprinting down the touchline to join his players in celebration after Estevao Willian scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Maresca openly admitted to the misconduct charge and accepted the standard penalty. According to the FA, Maresca’s actions were deemed improper, and his dismissal around the 96th minute led to the ban. The manager described his celebration as “an instinctive reaction” and stated that it was “worth it” despite knowing he might get sent off.
The ban means Maresca will miss Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Although he won’t be on the touchline, FA regulations allow suspended managers to enter the dressing room before kick-off, at half-time, and after the final whistle. They can also communicate remotely with their coaching staff during the match.
This latest incident follows a worrying trend for Chelsea, who have had a player or manager sent off in four of their last five matches. However, Maresca downplayed concerns over the team’s disciplinary record, attributing it to the passion and instinct required in football.
