Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and repeated attempts of bribery after his arrest for an altercation with police officers on the Greek island of Syros.
The England international, his brother Joe Maguire and a friend, Christopher Sharman, have been on trial in Greece after the incident which happened in the early hours of Friday morning, while Maguire was on holiday.
The prosecution alleged that following his arrival at a police station, he said: “Do you know who I am? I am the captain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I can give you money, I can pay you, please let us go.”
The court had been asked to postpone proceedings over Maguire’s alleged involvement in the Police brawl with his legal team, claiming they did not have enough time to prepare.
Maguire had pleaded not guilty to assault, verbal abuse, assault against police officers, and attempted bribery, however, after a court ruling on Tuesday 25th of August, he was found guilty.
Questions would now be raised after Maguire was named in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.
Prior to the court ruling, head coach Gareth Southgate admitted he could review his decision should more information become available while claiming to have offered his support to the captain.
“It’s clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that, in the end, I could only take based on the information I have,” Southgate said.
“I’ve spoken with Harry. I have the insight into the story which is very different from what’s being reported. In these instances, I think you can only make decisions based on facts you’re aware of.
“Clearly if facts change further down the line, or information changes, then I have to review that decision. But I’ve a fantastic relationship with the boy. Harry has been an outstanding character for us. I’ve no reason to doubt what he’s telling me and it’s important he knows he’s got my support at this moment.
“I’ve got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available. I think whenever you’re in a management position you have to make decisions and you always make decisions to the best of your ability, given the information that you have.
“People might agree or disagree with those decisions but that’s the position every manager finds himself in. At this moment in time, that’s where I am with it.”
