Police officers who claim they were assaulted by Harry Maguire are still awaiting an apology from the England defender, according to their lawyer.
Maguire was on Tuesday handed a 21-month, 10-day jail sentence, suspended for three years, after a Greek court found him guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and bribery, following an incident outside a bar in Mykonos.
Gareth Southgate was then forced into an embarrassing U-turn when he dropped the 27-year-old from his England squad only hours after he had selected him.
Maguire has denied all charges against him and has said he will appeal. The Manchester United captain, however, has been called a “disgrace” by the lawyer representing two policemen who claim they were injured in the altercation with the footballer, his brother, Joe, and a friend.
“There is still time for the three defendants to say they are sorry, then the outcome might be different,” Dr Ioannis Paradissis told Radio 4’s Today programme. “Because under Greek law you can withdraw some accusations concerning non-aggravated bodily harm and concerning the verbal assault, the insults shouted at the policemen.
“I don’t know [whether my clients will withdraw them], they told me that they are still awaiting an apology and this is what I find shocking and unsporting.
“Because fair play means when I have done something wrong I apologise or at least say I am sorry for what has happened to the other person.”
Maguire posted a quote attributed to Buddha on Instagram last night, saying the truth “cannot be long hidden” and, in a statement, said: “I have instructed my legal team 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.”
Southgate, meanwhile, explained that his decision to remove Maguire from his squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Iceland was “in the best interest of all parties”.
He said: “Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision with consideration of the impact on our preparations.”
United are continuing to support their captain and it is thought they will leave any decision over removing the armband from Maguire until after the appeal process is concluded.
“Manchester United notes the verdict of the Greek court today,” a club statement read. “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.”
