In a shocking turn of events, Harry Maguire has been found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and repeated attempts of bribery. The United captain was accused of all the three while caught in the middle of a brawl in Mykonos, Greece. Maguire is now suspended for 21 months and 10 days, but will not serve any jail time because of the Greek law, stating that it is Maguire’s first offence.
Maguire’s case was presented in court today after the brawl couple of days ago in Syros, Greece. The 27-year old had maintained that he wasn’t guilty to all the three charges and didn’t have to be present in Greece while his case hearing. His lawyer asked for more time to prepare for the hearing, but all her attempts went in vain as the trail went ahead.
Following the court sentence, Maguire said: “Following the hearing today, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing. I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims.”
Even Manchester United issued a statement which read “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today. Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.” The club statement also added, “On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
It is also reported that the English FA will sit with Gareth Southgate and will discuss Maguire’s inclusion in the England squad. All of this has sent shockwaves in the fan base and Maguire’s court sentence will also disrupt Solskjaer’s plans for the next season.
