Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-game touchline ban and fined £8,000 by the Football Association following his overzealous celebration during his side’s dramatic win over Liverpool before the international break.
The Italian tactician couldn’t contain his emotions after Estevão’s stunning last-minute winner sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory for the Blues at Stamford Bridge. Maresca ran towards his players and joined in the celebrations near the touchline, an act that the FA has deemed to have crossed the line in terms of conduct.
In an official statement, the FA confirmed that Maresca’s behaviour “amounted to improper conduct” and that the Chelsea boss has accepted the charge. As a result, he will not be present in the technical area for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Speaking after the incident, Maresca described Estevão’s decisive goal as “one of my favourite moments so far” since taking charge of Chelsea this summer. The 44-year-old’s passion and energy have been evident since his arrival, as he continues to rebuild the squad and restore belief among the Stamford Bridge faithful.
