Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been slapped with a one-match touchline ban following his red card in the match against Liverpool. He was given his marching orders after he exuberantly celebrated Estevao Willian’s last-minute winner against the Reds, sprinting down the touchline to join his jubilant players in the midst of chaotic scenes at Stamford Bridge. The FA have now confirmed that Maresca has accepted his punishment; a one-match suspension and a hefty £8,000 fine.
According to the FA, “it was alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour during the fixture, which led to his dismissal around the 96th minute”. Chelsea are set to face crisis-stricken Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime and assistant coach Willy Caballero is expected to step up and take the reins with Maresca observing from the stands.
This isn’t the first time Maresca has been hit with a touchline ban. He also received one last season when he accumulated three yellow cards.
His final warning came after a late winner when he celebrated Pedro Neto’s 93rd-minute goal that clinched the west London derby at Fulham last Easter.
Maresca is anticipated to be in the directors’ box at the City Ground this weekend. However, he won’t be barred from entering Chelsea’s dressing room, meaning he will still have the opportunity to speak to his players before the game, at half-time and at the end of the match.
He will also have the ability to communicate with his coaching staff via a telephone or electronic device.
In a recent interview with Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport, Maresca expressed his enthusiasm for his current role after leading the Blues to two trophies – the Conference League and Club World Cup – last season.
He stated: “Chelsea is a legendary, enormous club. The strategy now is to proceed with long contracts, trust young players. Football business then is about results In this moment, results are good and we’re all very happy.”
