Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is facing renewed controversy after Greek police officers involved in his 2020 arrest called for football authorities to ban him from professional competitions.
A Greek Criminal Appeal Court on the island of Syros gave Maguire a 15-month suspended sentence, reports Daily Mail.
The ruling followed his conviction for non-serious assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery after a brawl during a family holiday in Mykonos nearly six years ago.
Greek Officers Demand Action from Football Authorities
Lawyer Ioannis Paradissis, representing the police officers involved in the case, released a strong statement criticising Maguire for failing to apologise during the trial.
Paradissis said the officers expected “at minimum, an apology” from the England international, calling the lack of one disrespectful to officers carrying out their lawful duties.
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The lawyer also urged football governing bodies to intervene, stating that athletes with criminal convictions for violence should not represent elite competitions such as the Premier League.
He argued that professional players are role models and should be held to higher behavioural standards, especially when their actions involve violence against law enforcement.
Maguire Plans Appeal After Retrial Verdict
Maguire, who did not attend the hearing in person, has strongly criticised the court proceedings and plans to appeal the verdict to the Greek Supreme Court.
Despite the ruling, the defender was still able to play for Manchester United in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United shortly after the court decision.
The case stems from a 2020 incident during Maguire’s holiday in Mykonos, which initially resulted in a conviction and suspended sentence that were later overturned before the retrial.
Although the latest verdict does not restrict Maguire’s travel or football activity, the renewed calls for sanctions have reignited debate over the defender’s future reputation in the sport.
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