Harry Maguire will now miss Manchester United's upcoming game against Chelsea after being hit with an additional one-game ban
Harry Maguire after he was sent off against Bournemouth
Harry Maguire after he was sent off against Bournemouth(Image: (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
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Harry Maguire is alleged to have described the match officals in charge of Manchester United's game against Bournemouth as a 'f*****g joke'. The Reds centre-back will serve an additional one-game ban after being charged by the Football Association with acting in an improper manner towards fourth official Matt Donohue at the Vitality Stadium after he was sent off.
Maguire was shown a red card for pushing Evanilson to the ground in the penalty area, with referee Stuart Attwell pointing to the spot, despite waving away a similar challenge on Amad earlier in the match. The England international protested the decision to Attwell before speaking to the fourth official as he departed the pitch.
Referee Attwell wrote in his report of the match: "In the 78th minute, I dismissed Manchester United player Harry Maguire for denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Following confirmation of the decision by the Video Assistant Referee, Mr Maguire left the field of play.
"As he left, he approached the 4th Official, Matthew Donohue, to protest the decision. These actions will be the subject of a separate report by Mr Donohue, and may warrant further review by The Football Association."
A further report from fourth official Donohue added: "In the 78th minute of the game, referee Stuart Attwell sent off Manchester United #5Harry Maguire. After the VAR check was complete, Maguire, as he was leaving the fieldof play, approached me and shouted, 'You're a joke. You're all a f****** joke.' I am reporting the matter to the Football Association for further review."
Maguire denied that he had said the remark and insisted that he labelled the decision to award Bournemouth a penalty as a 'joke'. He added: “As I left the field of play following my dismissal I said something along the lines of 'it is a f****** joke'. I am certain that I did not call the Fourth Official or any Match Official, a joke or use any other form of insult."
Harry Maguire and fourth official Matt Donohue(Image: 2026 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth)
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While United team-mate Joshua Zirkzee had also given evidence to the commission, and said he could “not recall exactly what Harry said, but I recall that it was something along the lines of 'it is a joke' or 'what a joke'", before adding that he was “confident that Harry did not call the Fourth Official or any other Match Official a joke.”
In response to that claim, fourth official Donohue said: "In response to the words recorded in my report. In respect of the first line 'You're a joke', there is a possibility that the words were either misheard or mis-recollected.
"Whilst I think Mr Maguire said 'You're a joke', I wouldn't be able to respond to this with certainty. However, the second sentence 'You're all a f****** joke', I do remember hearing with clarity and remember thinking that the comment was aimed collectively at the group of officials. I would be prepared to say with certainty that these words were said."
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire of Manchester United react towards Referee Stuart Attwell after Ryan Christie of AFC Bournemouth (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire of Manchester United react towards Referee Stuart Attwell after Ryan Christie of AFC Bournemouth (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on March 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England.
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Harry Maguire react towards referee Stuart Attwell(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
However, the FA rejected United’s version of events, as Donohue insisted the second part of the allegation was accurate and he could say so 'with some certainty'.
Maguire will now miss his side's game against Chelsea on Saturday night, and in a statement the FA said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a one-match suspension and £30,000 fine on Manchester United FC’s Harry Maguire.
"The defender was charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of their Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth on Friday 20 March.
"It was alleged that Harry Maguire acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal.
"The defender subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing."