In a dramatic start to his Chelsea tenure, new manager Enzo Maresca has been hit with an immediate fine and touchline ban following his explosive touchline behaviour during the pre-season clash against Liverpool.
The Italian coach, who only recently took over at Stamford Bridge, found himself in hot water with football authorities after an overzealous celebration of Chelsea's late equaliser saw him breach FA regulations.
Touchline Drama Unfolds in Philadelphia
The incident occurred during the high-profile friendly at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Maresca's passion got the better of him. As Chelsea scored their 90th-minute leveller against the Reds, the former Leicester City manager sprinted down the touchline in celebration, directly in front of the Liverpool technical area.
This breach of professional conduct didn't go unnoticed by match officials, who promptly reported the incident to the Football Association.
FA Comes Down Hard on Blues Boss
The Football Association has taken a firm stance, issuing Maresca with a £17,500 fine and imposing a touchline ban that will see him confined to the stands for Chelsea's upcoming pre-season matches. This disciplinary action serves as an early warning to the new Chelsea boss about maintaining professional decorum.
An FA spokesperson confirmed: "Enzo Maresca has been fined £17,500 and suspended from the touchline for the club's next two pre-season fixtures, subject to appeal, for a breach of FA Rule E3.1 during their match against Liverpool on 31 July 2024."
Not the First Offence for Maresca
This isn't the first time Maresca's touchline enthusiasm has landed him in trouble. During his successful Championship campaign with Leicester City last season, the Italian received two separate fines for similar incidents, suggesting a pattern of behaviour that Chelsea will need to address quickly.
The timing couldn't be worse for the Blues, who are looking to build momentum ahead of the new Premier League season under their new leadership.
What This Means for Chelsea's Pre-Season
With Maresca banned from the touchline for upcoming friendlies, Chelsea will need to adjust their matchday operations. The suspension raises questions about:
- How team instructions will be communicated from the stands
- Whether this disruption affects Chelsea's pre-season preparations
- If Maresca can curb his passionate touchline approach long-term
As Chelsea fans await the start of the new season, they'll be hoping their manager can channel his passion more appropriately while maintaining the fighting spirit that characterized his successful campaign with Leicester.
