Harry Maguire says he will ‘remain strong and confident’ and appeal conviction for assault and attempted bribery

‘I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims’

Harry Maguire has pledged to appeal his conviction for assault and attempted bribery after being handed a suspended prison sentence for his role in a brawl in Mykonos last week.

The prosecution alleged Maguire pushed a police officer at the scene of the incident and attempted to resist arrest before arriving at the police department where the Manchester United captain attempted to bribe officials.

In a statement released following the verdict, Maguire said: “Following the hearing today, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing.

“I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter – if anything myself, family and friends are the victims.”

Manchester United also released a statement in support of Maguire’s innocence, noting that a charge sheet was only handed to his lawyer, Alexis Anagnostakis, two hours before the trial commenced on Tuesday.

“Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today. Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.

“It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare. A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.

“On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire’s legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date.”