AFCON 2025
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence by a Greek court following a long-delayed retrial over a 2020 brawl on the island of Mykonos.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before Maguire was expected to feature for United in their Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Despite the conviction, the 33-year-old was not present for the hearing in Syros and remains with the squad in Tyneside.
The court found Maguire guilty of non-serious assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery. While the sentence marks a reduction from the initial 21-month term handed down in 2020, the judges upheld the core convictions stemming from the altercation involving Greek police officers nearly six years ago. Because the sentence is suspended and the charges are classified as misdemeanours, Maguire faces no immediate jail time.
Maguire has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging that the incident began when his sister, Daisy, was injected with a suspected “date-rape drug” by two men at a bar. His legal team immediately confirmed they would appeal the fresh verdict to the Greek Supreme Court, a move that again nullifies the conviction under local law pending a further hearing.
The timing of the ruling creates a significant distraction for Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, whose side is currently chasing a top-three finish. Maguire, who has been in resurgent form this season, had been a doubt for the match due to a recent bout of illness but travelled with the team to Newcastle.
The case has been plagued by delays, with today’s proceedings marking the fifth attempt to conclude the retrial since 2023. United have not yet released a fresh statement following today’s ruling, though they have previously supported their former captain’s assertion of innocence.
