Enzo Maresca suspended after Chelsea boss booked for wild celebration as Pedro Neto's late winner against Fulham keeps Blues in chase for Champions League spot

The Italian tactician saw his side claim a dramatic derby victory over their west London neighbours at Craven Cottage. Chelsea trailed the contest heading into the final seven minutes, but Tyrique George restored parity before Pedro Neto grabbed a 93rd-minute winner.

That vital success has lifted the Blues into fifth spot in the Premier League table and kept them on course for Champions League qualification. They will, however, be without their head coach when playing host to Everton on Saturday.

That is because Maresca was booked by referee Anthony Taylor during the celebrations which accompanied Neto’s late effort at Fulham. The Chelsea bench erupted after seeing the Portuguese forward hit the net, leading to them spilling onto the field.

Maresca told reporters afterwards of the emotional scenes: “I was very happy, first of all because it's a nice feeling to win the game at the end but I think it was a moment for the players because they deserve to share that moment with the fans. So this is the reason why I left the pitch immediately and then when we scored the second one I celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card.”

Maresca will now serve a suspension after collecting three yellow cards this season. He was previously cautioned during meetings with Bournemouth and Newcastle. Assistant coach Willy Caballero will take charge from the technical area against Everton, with Maresca restricted to a seat in the stands.