Maguire faces FA charge, could face additional suspension and miss Chelsea clash! Cursed fourth official after red card

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been charged by the FA, with the referee's report recording that he insulted the fourth official after receiving a red card in the Bournemouth match. Maguire's intervention against the host team's striker Evanelison led to a penalty being awarded and his expulsion from the game. Bournemouth used this penalty to level the score at 2-2.

Maguire protested the decision made by referee Stuart Attwell on the pitch and later engaged in a dispute with the fourth official after leaving the field. Consequently, he has been charged with misconduct for using abusive language towards the fourth official. The FA's statement stated: "Maguire has been charged following his red card in the 78th minute of Manchester United's Premier League match against Bournemouth on March 20. The defender is accused of misconduct and using insulting language or gestures towards the fourth official. Maguire must respond to the charge by Thursday, April 2."

According to regulations, Maguire's red card, which did not involve violent conduct, warrants only a one-match suspension. He will definitely miss the "Roses Derby" against Leeds United at Old Trafford on April 13. However, if the charge against him is upheld, he could face an additional suspension, which would then cause him to miss the key match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on April 18.

FA Rule E3.1 stipulates that match participants, including players, referees, and coaches, must always act in a manner beneficial to the sport, avoiding any improper conduct or actions that could damage the reputation of the game. It also prohibits any acts of violence, malicious fouls, threatening language, or insulting behavior.

Rule E3 can be considered a "catch-all" general provision covering various behaviors both on and off the field, including pre-match and post-match media interviews and social media posts. Improper conduct may lead to warnings, fines, or suspensions.

If a match participant is charged with violating FA Rule E3.1, they are typically given a period of time to respond. Subsequently, the regulatory body will hold a hearing to determine the appropriate penalty. The specific punishment depends on the severity of the violation; if the misconduct involves race, color, nationality, gender, etc., Rule E3.2 will be invoked, leading to enhanced penalties.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, after receiving a second yellow card in the 93rd minute of a match against Liverpool in December 2025, did not leave the field immediately and showed disrespect to the referee. The independent regulatory committee subsequently imposed an additional one-match suspension and a £50,000 fine.

The upcoming clash between Manchester United and Chelsea could directly determine Champions League qualification. Currently, United are ranked third, while Chelsea sit sixth, with a seven-point gap between them. According to the current UEFA coefficient rankings, it is almost certain that the Premier League will secure an additional Champions League spot, meaning fifth place in the league could also qualify for next season's Champions League. If Manchester United defeat Chelsea, their Champions League ticket would be secured.

However, if Maguire is suspended and unavailable, it would be a significant blow for manager Carrick. The 33-year-old English stalwart has started every match under the new manager and has been a stabilizing force in defense. If his suspension is extended, Carrick would have to rely on the 28-year-old Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez returning to action promptly. Otherwise, United would have to use the young defensive pairing of Lenny Yoro and Eden Haven. Another United defender, De Ligt, has been plagued by a back injury since last November and has been sidelined for a long period.

After the match against Bournemouth, Manchester United formally lodged a complaint with the Premier League's officiating body, PGMOL. When United were leading 1-0, Amad Diallo was pulled and pushed in the opponent's penalty area and fell to the ground. United believed they were unfairly denied a second penalty opportunity, as both the refereeing team and the VAR ignored the incident.

This decision angered United's management greatly, especially as Bournemouth immediately countered and equalized through a goal by Ryan Christie. United argue that the foul leading to Maguire's red card was similar to Adrian Trufer's actions against Amad, yet Trufer's foul received no punishment.

According to UK's The Sun, Manchester United have not yet received a response from PGMOL. Instead, the FA's additional charge against Maguire arrived first, causing considerable dissatisfaction among the club and its fans.