Maresca banned for Everton clash after touchline celebration
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be absent from the touchline for his side's Premier League home game against Everton on Saturday after receiving a one-match suspension.
The Italian tactician was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor during the exuberant celebrations that followed Pedro Neto's dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Chelsea had trailed their west London rivals before a late comeback saw Tyrique George equalize and Neto snatch a vital victory in the dying moments.
The scenes on the Chelsea bench were ones of pure elation, with the coaching staff and substitutes spilling onto the pitch to celebrate the decisive goal.
Speaking after the match, Maresca explained his reaction, "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."
However, this caution was Maresca's third yellow card of the season, triggering an automatic one-match touchline ban. He had previously been booked in matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle.
As a result, assistant coach Willy Caballero will take charge of the team from the technical area when Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Maresca will be forced to watch the game from the stands as his side looks to build on their recent victory and solidify their push for Champions League qualification.
Comments