Harry Maguire fined and suspended by FA for misconduct after red card
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been fined £30,000 and handed an additional one-match suspension by the Football Association for misconduct following his recent sending-off. The FA confirmed the sanctions on Wednesday, stating the player admitted to a charge of improper behaviour towards a match official.
Maguire was shown a red card for a foul on Bournemouth's Evanilson during United's 2-2 Premier League draw on March 20. The FA's charge related not to the foul itself, but to the England international's conduct after the dismissal. In a statement, the governing body said it was "satisfied that Harry Maguire behaved in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting language and/or gestures towards the fourth official after his dismissal."
The 33-year-old had already served an automatic one-match ban, missing Manchester United's subsequent league fixture against Leeds United. This additional suspension, which he must now serve, rules him out of the club's upcoming match against Chelsea on Saturday. The fine and extended ban underscore the FA's stricter stance on player conduct towards officials this season.
Maguire's season has been one of resurgence, having reclaimed a regular starting role under manager Erik ten Hag after falling down the pecking order last year. His experience has been vital for a United side dealing with numerous defensive injuries. This incident, however, represents a significant setback, both for his personal discipline record and for a squad already stretched thin at the back.
The suspension comes at a critical juncture in United's campaign as they seek to secure European qualification for next season. Maguire's absence will likely see Ten Hag turn to alternatives such as Victor Lindelof or Jonny Evans to partner Raphael Varane, assuming the Frenchman is fit. The club has not commented publicly on the FA's decision, but will be expected to address the matter internally given their captain's leadership role within the squad.
