Manchester United defender Harry Maguire will miss Saturday's Premier League match at Chelsea after the Football Association handed him an additional one-match ban. The 33-year-old, who was sent off during the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth last month, had already served a suspension for that red card but now faces further punishment for his conduct following the dismissal.
The FA's written reasons detail that fourth official Matthew Donohue submitted an Extraordinary Incident Report Form alleging Maguire shouted, "You're a joke. You're all a fucking joke," as he left the pitch. Maguire contested the exact wording, insisting he said something like "it is a fucking joke" rather than directing abuse at the official. However, he admitted the charge of improper conduct.
An independent Regulatory Commission imposed the additional one-match suspension and a £30,000 fine. The FA confirmed the sanction on Friday, noting the incident occurred in the 78th minute of the Bournemouth match, where Maguire fouled Evanilson, conceding a penalty converted by Eli Junior Kroupi.
Maguire's absence compounds United's defensive crisis. Fellow centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez are also unavailable, with De Ligt sidelined since November with a back problem and Martínez starting a three-match ban after being sent off against Leeds for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. United head coach Michael Carrick called that decision "one of the worst I've seen," and the club has reportedly appealed.
With their three senior central defenders missing, United may field 19-year-old Ayden Heaven alongside 20-year-old Leny Yoro at the heart of defence at Stamford Bridge.
