Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been hit with a one-match touchline ban and an £8,000 fine after admitting to a misconduct charge for his emotional celebration during the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 4, 2025.
The Football Association confirmed the punishment on Wednesday, October 15, explaining that Maresca’s behaviour in stoppage time was considered improper conduct.
The drama unfolded in the 96th minute, right after Estêvão Willian smashed home a late winner from Marc Cucurella’s assist. Overwhelmed by the moment, Maresca sprinted down the touchline, fists in the air, joining his players in wild celebration.
Referee Anthony Taylor, who had already shown him a yellow earlier in the game, didn’t hesitate to flash a second one — meaning the Italian was sent off. His action sparked debate in the footballing community; however, Softfootball reported that Mikle Obi hailed Maresca’s passion and revealed he would take that level of passion all day from the Chelsea manager.
The FA’s statement read:
Enzo Maresca has been given a one-match touchline ban and £8,000 fine for misconduct during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Liverpool on Saturday 4 October. It was alleged that the manager acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour during the fixture, which led to his dismissal around the 96th minute. Enzo Maresca subsequently admitted the charge and accepted the standard penalty.
Because of the decision, Maresca will now miss Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, October 18, though the rules still allow him to speak with his players before kick-off, at halftime, and after the game. He’ll also be able to communicate with assistant Willy Caballero through electronic means during the match. Chelsea appear unbothered, posting in anticipation of the game against Forest via their official X account.
They Posted:
This is actually Maresca’s second touchline suspension since taking charge of Chelsea; the first came back in April 2025, when he celebrated a last-minute winner at Fulham. However, Maresca isn’t shy about his love for the club and even put his commitment out there in a recent interview, calling the club enormous.
Speaking about the Liverpool win afterwards, Maresca admitted his reaction might’ve been over the top but said he had no regrets.
Chelsea currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with 11 points, five behind leaders Arsenal, and the club hopes to carry the same fighting spirit into their next fixtures — even if their manager has to watch from the stands this weekend.
