Maguire pleads not guilty to Mykonos fight allegations

Athens, Aug 22 (efe-epa).- Manchester United captain Harry Maguire appeared at a Greek court on Saturday and pleaded not guilty amid accusations he was involved in a brawl while on a family vacation on the island of Mykonos.

He was released pending a new court date on Tuesday but is free to return to the UK, according to Greek media.

The defender made no comment to journalists as he left the court building in Syros, to where he was transferred after his arrest.

When asked by British channel Sky News if he was free to go, his lawyer said: “Right now, yes.”

Manchester United released a statement, saying: “Following the appearance in court today we note the adjournment of the case to allow the legal team to consider the case file.

“Harry has pleaded not guilty to the charges. It would be inappropriate for the player or club to comment further while the legal process takes its course.”

Maguire was detained by police in Mykonos alongside two others after police broke up an altercation outside a bar between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday morning.

According to a police statement, prosecutors should pursue charges of “violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an official,” although it is not clear which of these could be pressed against Maguire specifically.

Police said they have been patrolling the center of Mykonos to ensure Covid-19 health and safety measures were being upheld when they saw the fight between a group of people.

In the statement, police added that Maguire and his associates were involved in an altercation with the police, which continued after their arrest and subsequent transfer to the station.