Manchester United captain, who has been named in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad, has already pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault and attempted bribery of an official
Tuesday 25 August 2020 18:00, UK
Harry Maguire was kicked in the leg by police officers who told him "your career is over", the Manchester United captain's lawyer has told a Greek court.
The prosecution alleged that once Maguire, who has been named in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad despite the ongoing court case, arrived at a police station, he said: "Do you know who I am? I am the captain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I can give you money, I can pay you, please let us go."
Plain clothes police officers intervened to try calm the situation, but the "English men" did not, and one of the defendants said "f***, f*** the police" and one punched an officer, it was claimed.
The court had been asked to postpone proceedings over Maguire's alleged involvement in a brawl on the island of Mykonos in Greece - with his legal team claiming they did not have enough time to prepare.
But the trial went ahead against his defence team's wishes, with his lawyer Alexis Anagnostakis telling the court in Syros that two Albanian men had approached Maguire's sister Daisy - who fainted immediately after being injected with an unknown substance.
They called for transport and asked to be driven to hospital, but were instead taken to a police department.
Mr Anagnostakis alleged that Maguire was then kicked in the leg by police officers who told him: "Your career is over."
The defence argued they were breaking away to make a phone call. But the police officer said he did not see them make one.
The court heard one officer received first aid while trying to make an arrest, because Maguire got angry when he realised he was handcuffed and tried to break away.
The officer who handcuffed Maguire said the footballer pushed him hard, causing him to fall backwards and hurt his back and suffer a leg injury. He said he was injected with painkillers and took the next day off to recover.
A third police officer gave a similar account of events in court.
Earlier, Mr Anagnostakis said the list of charges was finalised just yesterday, so he only received a hard copy of the file this morning - two hours before the trial.
Maguire, who was not present in court, pleaded not guilty, denying charges of aggravated assault and attempted bribery of an official.
The Manchester United captain was released from police custody on Thursday after he was arrested during a holiday with family and friends.
Police said there had been an altercation and an exchange of words with an officer who tried to break up a fight.
As coronavirus restrictions around the world made many holiday destinations impossible to visit, Premier League footballers headed to Mykonos. Maguire spent time on the island with his Manchester United team-mates Marcus Rashford and Brandon Williams.
Leicester forward Jamie Vardy, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tottenham's Dele Alli are among the others who have spent their post-season holiday in Mykonos.
Maguire has been included in the England squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.
Head coach Gareth Southgate reveal he has spoken to Maguire, and offered his support, while admitting he could review his decision should more information become available.
"It's clearly a decision that is not straightforward and a decision that, in the end, I could only take based on the information I have," Southgate said. "I've spoken with Harry. I have the insight into the story which is very different to what's being reported. In these instances I think you can only make decisions based on facts you're aware of.
"Clearly if facts change further down the line, or information changes, then I have to review that decision. But I've a fantastic relationship with the boy. Harry has been an outstanding character for us. I've no reason to doubt what he's telling me and it's important he knows he's got my support at this moment.
"I've got to reserve the right to review if further information becomes available. I think whenever you're in a management position you have to make decisions and you always make decisions to the best of your ability, given the information that you have.
"People might agree or disagree with those decisions but that's the position every manager finds himself in. At this moment in time, that's where I am with it."
