Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Handed One-Match Touchline Ban After Liverpool Win

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 fine following his dismissal in the dramatic Premier League victory over Liverpool earlier this month. The Italian was shown a second yellow card deep into stoppage time after leaving his technical area to celebrate Estevao Willian’s 95th-minute winner with his players at Stamford Bridge.

Referee Anthony Taylor issued the red card after Maresca’s exuberant reaction, which came moments after the teenage forward’s late strike sealed a 2-1 victory over the reigning champions. The Football Association later confirmed that the Chelsea manager had breached regulations governing technical area conduct.

“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. The governing body added that Maresca had admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty.

Maresca had earlier received a yellow card for dissent during the match, and his second offence meant an automatic dismissal. The punishment means he will be absent from the touchline when Chelsea travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday. Assistant coach Willy Caballero is expected to take charge from the dugout for that game.

This incident marks the 45-year-old’s second touchline ban since his appointment as Chelsea manager in June 2024. His first suspension came in April 2025 after he was booked for a third time that season — also for an emotional celebration — following Pedro Neto’s dramatic 93rd-minute winner at Fulham.

Despite the disciplinary setback, Maresca’s passion and energy have been widely recognized as part of his management style. His emotional celebrations against Liverpool underlined his commitment to his team’s progress, though they have now come at a cost.

Chelsea will hope the absence of their head coach does not disrupt momentum as they look to build on their recent strong form. With Caballero stepping in temporarily, the Blues will aim to continue their push up the Premier League table, even as Maresca serves his latest touchline suspension.