Harry Maguire quotes Buddha and says ‘truth can’t be hidden’ after Greek police assault conviction

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has shared a Buddha quote saying the truth "cannot be long hidden" following his conviction for aggravated assault, resisting arrest and attempted bribery in Greece.

Maguire was handed a jail term of 21 months and 10 days following a hearing on Tuesday.

However, this will be suspended for three years because it was a first offence and the charges were classed as misdemeanours.

The 27-year-old football star shared a Buddha quote on his Instagram story in the early hours of this morning implying he still maintains his innocence.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth - Buddha", said the post.

Maguire's sister Daisy uploaded the same message just hours after the verdict.

It comes after Maguire revealed his plans to contest the result of the trial.

“Following the hearing today, I have instructed my legal team with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing," he said in a statement.

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

The football star was arrested following a brawl on the island of Mykonos last Thursday.

Maguire, who is the world's most expensive defender, was released from custody over the weekend, after appearing at a hearing on Saturday morning on the nearby island of Syros.

Greek police had accused Maguire, his brother Joe, 28, and family friend Christopher Sharman, 29, of "violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an official".

Maguire was among a group of four couples that went out in Mykonos on Thursday, during which Daisy fainted after being injected in a bar by two men, the court heard.

Tensions became fraught and the group attempted to return to the villa, with the defence claiming undercover police directed the minibus to go the police station – something the group were not aware of.

A group of Greek men allegedly kicked Maguire and told him ‘your career is over’ when they got there.

Fearing he was being robbed, Maguire’s attempts to get away saw him arrested and detained, they said.

The defender denies allegation of bribery and sees any physical actions as self-defence towards individuals the group had not been aware were police officers.

Following the trial the FA announced on Tuesday evening that Maguire would be withdrawn from the England squad.

“In light of this evening’s developments, I can confirm I have withdrawn Harry Maguire from the England squad for the matches against Iceland and Denmark,” manager Gareth Southgate said in a statement.

“As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation. Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week.”

Manchester United also released a statement on the Maguire situation on Tuesday night which read: "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.”

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