Suspended sentence for Maguire as footballer convicted of assault

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Harry Maguire has been given a 21-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of assault, following his arrest after a brawl last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.

United issued a statement saying Maguire, who was released from custody over the weekend, “continues to strongly assert his innocence” and would appeal.

Two other defendants, including Maguire’s brother Joe, were also found guilty on similar charges and handed 13-month sentences.

The sentences for all three defendants were suspended for three years.

None of them were present for the trial, held under fast-track procedures.

Sheffield-born Maguire, who is the world’s most expensive defender, was not present at the trial on the nearby island of Syros.

He was found guilty of assault, swearing in public, and attempting to bribe a police officer.

The 27-year-old, who had been on holiday at the time of the incident issued a statement saying he will appeal.

“I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter,” Maguire said.

“If anything, myself, family, and friends are the victims.”

In a statement yesterday afternoon, Manchester United said: “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.”

But Yannis Paradeisis, a lawyer assisting with the prosecution and representing four police officers who were allegedly assaulted in the brawl, told The Associated Press that he was disappointed by the England footballer’s behaviour.

“He is a role model to young people and a sportsman. That is not the way to behave,” he said.

“The officers I was representing were just doing their job.

“We have not heard an apology from Mr Maguire or the other two defendants.

“We all understand that someone can go on holiday and get in some kind of trouble, but it is not right to behave this way.

“The whole thing could have ended with an apology.’’

England manager Gareth Southgate, who only hours before the trial concluded had included Maguire in his England squad, said yesterday evening: “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.”

The player, who came through the youth system at Sheffield United before graduating the first team in 2011, has also played for Hull City, Wigan Athletic and Leicester City, before signing for Manchester United last year.

I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence. Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire.