Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Banned from Touchline for Aston Villa Clash

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be banned from the touchline for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on December 27, 2025. This suspension comes after Maresca received his third booking of the season during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

The match at Stamford Bridge is the first of two London trips for Aston Villa during the festive period, with their next game being against Premier League leaders Arsenal at The Emirates three days later.

Maresca explained his booking was due to his complaints about inconsistent refereeing decisions. He said, “I was complaining just because the same foul was a yellow card for us and they did exactly the same foul three times. Make a foul from behind and no yellow card. So I was just complaining why the same foul, one is yellow card and the other one is no yellow card. So this is the reason why I complained with the referee.”

Despite Maresca’s absence from the touchline, Chelsea are expected to welcome back Brazilian talent Estevao for the Villa match. The 18-year-old has missed the last two games due to injury but could be available on the bench against Aston Villa.