FA confirm precise eight-word remark from Harry Maguire that triggered extended ban

The Football Association (FA) have confirmed the exact eight-word statement made by Manchester United Harry Maguire, which triggered a further ban. Punished Earlier on Wednesday, it emerged that Maguire will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea after he was handed an additional one-match ban following his red card at Bournemouth on 20 March. Maguire conceded a penalty and was given his marching orders at the Vitality Stadium for a last-man challenge on Evanilson. The FA then charged him with improper conduct for something he allegedly said to fourth official Matt Donohue as he left the pitch. United had waited more than 25 days to learn the outcome of the charge and they finally got a verdict, much to their disappointment. It’s understood that in addition to serving a one-match ban, the England international has also been fined £30,000. In their statement, the FA said that 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 exact words Donohue alleges Maguire spoke to him have now come to light. Maguire’s remark In the full written reasons, Donohue said, “In the 78th minute of the game, referee Stuart Attwell sent off Manchester United #5 Harry Maguire.” “After the VAR check was complete, Maguire, as he was leaving the field of play, approached me and shouted, ‘You’re a joke. You’re all a f—ing joke.’ I am reporting the matter to the Football Association for further review.” In his statement, Maguire confirmed that he admitted the charge, but stated that he wished “to clarify that I did not use abusive and/or insulting words towards the Fourth Official or any other Match Official.” Maguire further noted, “As I left the field of play following my dismissal I said something along the lines of ‘it is a f—ing 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.” United provided a witness statement from Joshua Zirkzee, who was warming up as a substitute and was in close proximity when the incident unfolded. The Dutchman’s submission read that he did “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.’” Zirkzee did though say that he was “confident that Harry did not call the Fourth Official or any other Match Official a joke.” Having received Maguire’s submissions, Donohue conceded that “there is a possibility” he misheard Maguire or misremembered the first line, ‘You’re a joke.’ He explained that he wouldn’t be able to respond to this with certainty. However, he expressed certainty that Maguire said ‘You’re all a f—ing joke. United vs. Chelsea kicks off at 20:00 GMT. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!