Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will miss his side’s upcoming Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest after being handed a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 ($10,689) fine by the Football Association (FA) on Wednesday.
The punishment comes after Maresca’s exuberant celebrations during Chelsea’s dramatic 2–1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
A Joy Too Wild for the FA
When Chelsea grabbed a fifth-minute stoppage-time winner, Maresca sprinted down the touchline, fists pumping, as he joined his players in a jubilant pile-up near the corner flag.
The wild celebration didn’t sit well with referee Anthony Taylor, who brandished a second yellow card and sent the Italian boss to the stands.
According to an FA statement: “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. Enzo Maresca subsequently admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty.”
Rules of the Ban
The ban means Maresca will be absent from the touchline at the City Ground on Saturday, but he won’t be completely cut off.
FA regulations allow a suspended manager to enter the dressing room before kick-off, at half-time, and after full-time. He can also communicate remotely with his coaching staff via phone, radio, or runner during the match.
This is Maresca’s second touchline ban as Chelsea manager. His first came back in April 2025, after he picked up a third yellow card of the season while celebrating Pedro Neto’s 93rd-minute winner at Fulham.
“A Beautiful Joy” Turns Bitter
After the Liverpool game, Maresca posted on Instagram, reflecting on the bittersweet moment.
“Winning at the last moment was a beautiful joy for all of us,” he wrote.
“It was a shame not to be present at the final whistle to celebrate with our wonderful fans. Now, recovery energy and focus on what we can do better.”
The Blues currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with 11 points, five behind leaders Arsenal.
(with agency inputs)
