Chelsea continued their push for Champions League football with an hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon but Enzo Maresca will serve a one-match touchline ban following his wild celebrations.
The Blues looked like they will be edging towards another loss as they trailed the contest heading into the final seven minutes, but Tyrique George restored parity before Pedro Neto grabbed a 93rd-minute winner.
Neto’s goal sparked wild celebration as it lifted Chelsea into fifth spot in the Premier League table and kept them on course for Champions League qualification.
However, Maresca will not be available on the touchline when Chelsea host Everton on Saturday.
Pedro Neto celebrates scoring Chelsea’s second goal with teammates Levi Colwill, Jadon Sancho and Tosin Adarabioyo during the Premier League match against Fulham FC. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Maresca was booked by referee Anthony Taylor during the celebrations which accompanied Neto’s late effort at Fulham. The Chelsea bench erupted after seeing the Portuguese forward hit the net, leading to them spilling onto the field.
Speaking after the match, Maresca told reporters of the emotional scenes: “I was very happy, first of all because it’s a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans. So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately and then when we scored the second one I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card.”
Maresca will now serve a suspension after collecting three yellow cards this season. He was previously cautioned during meetings with Bournemouth and Newcastle. Assistant coach Willy Caballero will take charge from the technical area against Everton, with Maresca restricted to a seat in the stands
