Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been given a reduced sentence to 15 months suspended imprisonment by Greek courts after a brawl that took place in 2020, while he was on summer holiday.
After an appeal, however, that sentence was overturned, but a new ruling, which has also removed a fine, has now led to the England international receiving a reduced sentence. Maguire’s lawyers are expected to appeal again.
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The 32-year-old has always maintained that he did nothing wrong, although the Greek authorities still insist to the contrary.
Maguire found guilty of several counts
Video footage circulated in August 2020 showing Maguire involved in a brawl while on holiday in Greece, in which the Englishman was arrested by police following a basketball fight involving his family outside a bar.
The centre-back faced charges of less serious violence, resisting arrest and attempted bribery in the wake of the incident.
Maguire, who according to the Daily Mail earns £180,000 a week at Old Trafford, has been found guilty and convicted on all three counts.
The former Leicester star has since, according to sources to GMS, turned down several opportunities to settle the matter, and he remains determined to clear his name.
His legal team will now appeal to Greece’s Supreme Court to have the verdict overturned for the second time.
Maguire was not present at the court hearing on Wednesday as he prepares for the Premier League game against Newcastle United on Wednesday night, after being a doubt due to illness before the clash against the Magpies.
Does this affect Maguire’s future at Man Utd?
It shouldn’t. The suspended sentence means that Maguire will not be in prison and will not receive any form of ban from football.
Of course, there is still the fact that the 31-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season, so an agreement still needs to be reached between the parties for him to continue in the United shirt next season and beyond.
GIVEMESPORT’s senior correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed at the end of January that Maguire is keen to extend his stay with the Red Devils if an acceptable deal can be found, with the decision resting with United as to what happens.
The departure of Ruben Amorim and the lack of a permanent manager have likely delayed a solution during talks, although the latest reports from last month suggested that finding a deal is seen as likely.
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