Chelsea’s Maresca Handed One-Match Touchline Ban

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been suspended from the touchline for one match and fined £8,000 after accepting a misconduct charge for his actions during his side’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool, the Football Association confirmed.

The incident occurred deep into stoppage time at Stamford Bridge, when Maresca sprinted from his technical area to celebrate Estevao Willian’s 95th-minute winner with his players. Referee Anthony Taylor showed the Italian a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.

"It was alleged that the manager 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," the FA said in a statement.
"Enzo Maresca subsequently admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty."

Maresca’s suspension means he will be absent from the dugout when Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Assistant coach Willy Caballero is expected to take charge on the touchline.

The 45-year-old’s latest sanction marks his second touchline ban since taking over as Chelsea boss in June 2024. He previously served a one-match suspension in April 2025, after receiving his third yellow card of the season for celebrating Pedro Neto’s stoppage-time goal at Fulham.

Despite the setback, Maresca appeared unfazed by the punishment. Speaking to Italian media, he described the outburst as “an instinctive reaction”, adding, “but I think [the red card] was worth it.”

Chelsea currently sit seventh in the Premier League on 11 points, five behind leaders Arsenal, as they look to continue their positive start to the season without their manager on the sidelines.

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