MAGUIRE AXED
Southgate’s embarrassing U-turn hours after star handed suspended jail term for assault and bribery
GARETH SOUTHGATE was last night forced into an embarrassing U-turn as he axed Harry Maguire from his England squad after the defender was sensationally handed a suspended two-year jail sentence.
On an extraordinary day in Greece, the Manchester United captain was given a suspended jail term of 21 months and 10 days after being found guilty on three charges of assaulting police, verbal abuse and attempted bribery. And last night’s remarkable ruling in Syros resulted in England boss Southgate having to back-track on his original decision to include Maguire in his squad to face Iceland and Denmark next month.
Maguire issued a staunch statement maintaining his innocence and confirming his decision to appeal the guilty ruling, while United released their own circular supporting their defender’s claims. Southgate, though, had no option but to banish Maguire from his latest squad, just hours after confirming the player’s inclusion.
However, it is important to stress that Southgate had said he reserved the right to change his mind if new information should come to light.
Southgate said: ‘In light of this evening’ s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.
‘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.’
Earlier in the day, Southgate took a calculated gamble in naming Maguire in his original 24-man party for September’s UEFA Nations League games, despite the fact his court case in Greece was being heard simultaneously.
The manager, who has shown in the past he is not afraid to take difficult decisions for breaches of discipline, said he had spoken to Maguire to hear his version of events and was satisfied with what his central defender had told him.
‘I think it is fair to say that I am putting a lot of faith in him, but I think it is fair to do that both in terms of my relationship with him and what he has given to the team,’ explained Southgate. ‘It’s clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that I could only take on the information that I have.
‘I have spoken with Harry. I have the insight to the story. I have no reason to doubt what he’s telling me and it’s important that he knows that he’s got my support at this moment.’
But Southgate’s original decision backfired with the guilty verdict. Sources in Maguire’s camp questioned the credibility of yesterday’s court proceedings in Greece and believe their pending appeal will clear the player’s name.
Most pertinently, there is said to be significant forensic and video evidence that would substantiate Maguire’s claimed innocence which the player’s legal team were not allowed to present in court yesterday. They hope it can be used in Maguire’s forthcoming appeal.
Similarly, there is a feeling from inside the Maguire camp that the case was rushed and ill-considered, underlined by claims his lawyers only received a 50-page document clarifying the charges the night before yesterday’s hearing.
His legal team’s request for an adjournment was rejected, which added to a feeling the Greek court were intent on the case being concluded yesterday.
The verdict wasn’t delivered until around 7.15pm, despite the fact Greek court days usually conclude at 3pm.
In a statement, Maguire said: ‘Following the hearing, 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.’
United’s statement read: ‘Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.’
“I’ve no reason to doubt his version of it”