Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has vowed to clear his name after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer, swearing, resisting arrest and bribery by a Greek court.
The 27-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Friday after an alleged incident on the island of Mykonos, with the defender appearing at a hearing the following day in neighbouring Syros.
Maguire was not at the subsequent court case on Tuesday, when – just hours after receiving the backing of England manager Gareth Southgate – he was found guilty of a number of charges.
The world’s most expensive defender faced several charges along with Christopher Sharman and brother Joe Maguire, with the centre-back receiving a suspended prison sentence of 21 months.
Maguire said: “Following the hearing today, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.
“I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims.”
The verdict led England boss Southgate to withdraw the defender from the squad for the Nations League doubleheader against Iceland and Denmark, having only selected him earlier in the day.
There are questions about how Manchester United will move forwards but in a club statement released shortly after the verdict they said: “Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today.
“Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.
“It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare.
“A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.
“On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”
The PA news agency understands Maguire’s team were angered and perplexed at the decision not to adjourn proceedings, having only received the charge sheet and near 50 pages of evidence late on Monday.
The conduct of Tuesday’s trial has frustrated those connected to the defence and there is hope that an appeal will allow for more evidence to be utilised, including forensic evidence demonstrating injuries to the defender and sister Daisy.
Maguire was among a group of four couples that went out in Mykonos on Thursday and the court heard the defence claim that Daisy fainted after being injected in a bar by two men.
Tensions became fraught and the group attempted to return to the villa, with the defence claiming undercover police directed the minibus to go the police station – something the group were not aware of.
A group of Greek men allegedly kicked Maguire and told him ‘your career is over’ when they got there. Fearing he was being robbed, Maguire’s attempts to get away saw him arrested and detained.
The defender denies allegation of bribery and sees any physical actions as self-defence towards individuals the group had not been aware were police officers.
Maguire relayed his version of events to Southgate ahead of his initial selection for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.
“It’s clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that in the end I could only take on the information that I have,” the England boss said on Tuesday afternoon.
“I have spoken with Harry. I have the insight to the story, which is very different to what’s being reported.
“And in these instances, I think you can only make decisions on facts that you’re aware of.
“Now clearly if facts change further down the line or information changes, then I have to review that decision.
“But I have a fantastic relationship with the boy. Harry has been an outstanding character for us.
Gareth Southgate, who named his squad to face Iceland and Denmark at St. George's Park earlier today, has provided an update:— England (@England) August 25, 2020
“I have no reason to doubt what he’s telling me and, you know, it’s important that he knows that he’s got my support at this moment.”
But on Tuesday evening, he withdrew Maguire from the England squad.
“In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark,” Southgate said.
“As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week.”
Meanwhile, Daisy Maguire posted on Instagram on Tuesday evening: “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun; the moon, and the truth – Buddha”
