Harry Maguire Receives Suspended Prison Sentence in Greece, Plans Appeal

Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has been handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence by a Greek court following a retrial related to an incident that occurred in Mykonos in August 2020. Maguire, along with his brother Joe and a friend, was involved in a bar brawl that led to charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery.

Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings

The incident took place on the Greek island of Mykonos in August 2020. Maguire was initially found guilty and received a 21-month suspended sentence shortly after the event. Although, he appealed the ruling, leading to a modern trial held on the island of Syros, the region’s administrative capital. The retrial faced several delays, including a lawyers’ strike.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Greek appeals court found Maguire guilty of aggravated assault, upholding the earlier conviction. The sentence was reduced to 15 months and 20 days suspended, and a non-negotiable fine of €1,500 was added. His brother also faced a conviction for attempting to bribe a policeman, which was later dropped.

Maguire’s Response and Future Actions

Maguire, who did not attend the hearing, was in the starting lineup for Manchester United’s Premier League match against Newcastle on Wednesday evening. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains his innocence. His legal representatives have announced plans to appeal the verdict to the Greek Supreme Court.

According to reports, Maguire and his legal team rejected multiple attempts to settle the case out of court with a financial offer. The decision to appeal to a higher court will effectively quash the current judgement, as occurred with his initial appeal in 2020.

Impact on Maguire’s Career

There were no travel restrictions placed on Maguire as a result of the sentence, meaning he remains eligible to be part of England’s World Cup squad this summer. However, lawyers for the plaintiffs have called on both Manchester United and the English FA to sanction the player.

Maguire, who will turn 33 on Thursday, was convicted on charges of causing minor bodily harm, insulting police officers, attempted bribery, and unlawful violence against police officers. The sentence is suspended for three years.

Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports, The Guardian, BBC Sport