Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has been handed a one-game touchline ban and fined £8,000 following his emotional celebration during Chelsea‘s Premier League victory over Liverpool on October 4, 2025. The incident occurred in stoppage time when Estêvão Willian scored a 95th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Maresca’s exuberant celebrations, which included running down the touchline to celebrate with players and fans, resulted in a second yellow card and subsequent sending off for misconduct.
The Football Association (FA) officially announced the punishment on October 15, stating that Maresca admitted to misconduct charges related to using abusive or insulting words or actions during the match. The ban prohibits him from standing in the technical area for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. Alongside the ban, Maresca is fined £8,000.
Maresca described his reaction as “instinctive” and driven by the significance of scoring a last-minute winning goal at home. Despite the ban, he stated, “I think it was worth it,” demonstrating his belief that the emotional moment justified his celebration.
This disciplinary action follows a series of red cards within the Chelsea team, which has seen players Robert Sánchez, Trevoh Chalobah, and João Pedro also sent off recently. Including Maresca, Chelsea has experienced sending-offs in four of their last five matches. Maresca, however, has expressed confidence that this sequence is a temporary phase and not a cause for concern within the team.
Chelsea currently sits in 7th place in the Premier League after seven matches, trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points. Maresca’s upcoming ban will compel Chelsea to adapt tactically and manage the bench without their head coach present on the touchline.
This incident underscores the FA’s commitment to maintaining discipline in football, particularly regarding sideline conduct during emotionally charged moments. Coaches and players are reminded to balance passion with professionalism to avoid disciplinary sanctions.
This episode highlights how high emotions in football can lead to consequences but also reflects the passion driving Chelsea’s recent performances. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on maintaining strong form with or without Maresca on the touchline in the coming fixtures.