Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 fine following his red card in the dramatic Premier League win over Liverpool earlier this month.
The Italian was sent off deep into stoppage time after leaving his technical area to celebrate Estevao Willian’s 95th-minute winner against the defending champions at Stamford Bridge.
According to a statement by the Football Association (FA), Maresca was charged with “acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behavior” during the fixture.
The incident occurred around the 96th minute, moments after Chelsea sealed a crucial 2–1 victory. The Chelsea boss admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty without contest.
Maresca had earlier received a yellow card for dissent during the same match, which compounded his disciplinary troubles.
His absence means assistant coach Willy Caballero is expected to lead the Blues from the touchline when they travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
The match will see Chelsea aim to maintain momentum after back-to-back league wins.
This suspension marks Maresca’s second touchline ban since taking charge at Chelsea in June 2024, following his move from Leicester City.
The 45-year-old first served a one-match ban in April 2025 after receiving his third yellow card of the season for celebrating Pedro Neto’s late winner against Fulham.
Despite the disciplinary setback, Maresca’s tenure at Chelsea has been marked by steady progress. His emphasis on possession-based football and tactical discipline has begun to yield results, with the club climbing up the Premier League table after a mixed start to the season.
The FA’s ruling serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of technical area conduct this season, with several Premier League managers cautioned or banned for emotional celebrations.
Maresca’s suspension underscores the fine line between passion and professionalism as Chelsea continue their push for a top-four finish.
