Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been slapped with a one-match touchline ban for his fiery celebrations during the dramatic win over Liverpool.
The Italian manager lost all composure when teenage sensation Estevao Willian smashed home a 95th-minute winner against the champions at Stamford Bridge. Referee Anthony Taylor was quick to brandish a second yellow after Maresca bolted out of his technical area to join in the jubilant scenes with his players.
The Football Association confirmed the charge, stating that the Chelsea manager “acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour” in the dying moments of the match. Maresca admitted the offence and accepted the punishment without contest.
Having already seen yellow earlier in the match for dissent, Maresca’s dismissal means he will be forced to watch Chelsea’s next Premier League clash from the stands. He has also been fined £8,000 for his antics.
The ban rules him out of the trip to the City Ground this weekend, where the Blues face Nottingham Forest and Ange Postecoglou’s revitalised side. Assistant coach Willy Caballero will take charge from the dugout as Maresca serves his suspension.
It is the second time the fiery Italian has found himself in trouble with the authorities since taking over at Chelsea in June 2024. His first ban came in April this year when he was booked for the third time of the season after an emotional celebration of Pedro Neto’s last-minute strike at Fulham.
Maresca’s passion has quickly become a hallmark of his managerial style, but it is now costing him precious time on the touchline. Chelsea fans adore his intensity, yet the FA’s latest action serves as another reminder that even the most animated managers must keep their cool in the heat of Premier League drama.
Despite the setback, Maresca’s stock among supporters continues to rise. His team’s thrilling stoppage-time victory over Liverpool sent Stamford Bridge into delirium and strengthened Chelsea’s hopes of breaking into the top four.
The focus now turns to how his side will cope without his presence on the sidelines. Caballero, a familiar figure at Chelsea after his years as a player, will be expected to keep the momentum going as the Blues look to maintain their surge up the table.
For Maresca, it will be another frustrating afternoon in the stands, but few could question his passion for the badge after the electric scenes that lit up west London
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