MANCHESTER UNITED backed Harry Maguire following his Mykonos brawl verdict, citing a “substantial body of evidence refuting the charges” against their captain.
Maguire, 27, was found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery following the events on the Greek island.
Manchester United defended their captain Harry Maguire in a passionate statement on Tuesday eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He was handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence as he avoided both jail and a fine.
But United immediately launched a passionate defence of the centre-back, who signed from Leicester for £85million a year ago, and confirmed an appeal will be lodged against the verdict.
The Old Trafford club 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.”
Maguire released his own brief statement where he declared he and his family are the real victims.
What we know so far:
The England centre-back was found guilty of aggravated assault, attempted bribery and resisting arrest following the Mykonos brawlCredit: AP:Associated Press
He said: “Following the hearing, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.
“I remain strong + confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family + friends are the victims. #MUFC”.
His brother Joe and pal Chris Sharman, who stood trial alongside him, were given suspended sentences of 13 months after also being found guilty.
The verdict will no doubt plunge Maguire’s club career into chaos and could see him stripped of his captaincy at Man Utd.
It could scupper his international chances just hours after Gareth Southgate named him in his England squad for the upcoming Nations League games.
But the strict gaffer warned centre-back Maguire’s place could be dropped “if facts or information changes”.
Ioannis Paradissis, lawyer for two of the six policemen involved in the case, called the defender a “disgrace” and accused him of “inventing a pack of lies”.
He told MailOnline: “Maguire and his friends then invented a story about Albanians attacking his sister.
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“I’ve never heard such rubbish. This was a shameful attempt to cover up their disgusting behaviour and an insult to Albanians and the Greek police.
“He should hang his head in shame and return to Greece to apologise.”
Maguire – who replaced Ashley Young as Manchester United captain in January – is due to return to competitive action for the Red Devils when their season starts on September 19 against Crystal Palace.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
