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Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire has been found guilty of assault and given a 21-month suspended sentence, following his arrest after a brawl last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.<\/p>\nManchester United footballer Harry Maguire has been found guilty of assault and given a 21-month suspended sentence, following his arrest after a brawl last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.<\/p>\n
United issued a statement saying Maguire, who was released from custody over the weekend, \u201ccontinues to strongly assert his innocence\u201d and would appeal.<\/p>\n
Maguire, who is the world\u2019s most expensive defender, was not present at the trial held under fast-track procedures on the nearby island of Syros.<\/p>\n
Two other defendants, including Maguire\u2019s brother Joe, were also found guilty on similar charges and handed 13-month sentences.<\/p>\n
The sentences for all three defendants were suspended for three years.<\/p>\n
He was found guilty of assault, swearing in public, and attempting to bribe a police officer.<\/p>\n
Maguire issued a statement saying he will appeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter,\u201d Maguire said. \u201cIf anything, myself, family, and friends are the victims.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defense team minimal time to digest them and prepare,\u201d United said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire\u2019s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 Maguire\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is a role model to young people and a sportsman. That is not the way to behave,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe officers I was representing were just doing their job.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have not heard an apology from Mr Maguire or the other two defendants.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all understand that someone can go on holiday and get in some kind of trouble, but it is not right to behave this way.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole thing could have ended with an apology.\u2033<\/p>\n
England manager Gareth Southgate said: \u201cIn light of this evening\u2019s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving 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.\u201d<\/p>\n