boss has picked up a one-match ban after picking up his third yellow card of the season following his wild celebrations in the 2-1 win over . The Italian was booked after he and his coaching staff spilled onto the pitch following Pedro Neto's stoppage time winner at Craven Cottage.
The Blues looked to be continuing their poor recent form after Alex Iwobi put Marco Silva's side ahead in the first half and their equaliser from Tyrique George only came in the 83rd minute.
About ten minutes later, in the dying minutes of stoppage time, Neto collected a ball into the box on the turn before rifling home a stunning strike that sent players, fans and the coaching staff into raptures.
Maresca and his coaching team were delirious as they ran onto the pitch and the former boss has admitted he "over celebrated" after being shown a yellow card by referee Antony Taylor.
He also to celebrate with the fans, claiming that after his booking he preferred to let the players enjoy the moment in front of the away end.
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He said: "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 [over] celebrated and this is the reason why they gave me a yellow card.”
Maresca was previously shown a yellow card against - also by Taylor - and against this season. It means Maresca is set to miss Chelsea's next game at home to on Saturday - another crucial game in the team's bid to qualify for the .
Chelsea have been under pressure in recent weeks after a run of three wins from their last eight matches before this win, which has included two draws and three losses.
Maresca has come under fire from a section of supporters who have complained about his "boring" style of play, and the team were booed off after losing 2-1 to Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League.
Chelsea are currently fifth in the - which would guarantee them Champions League football as things stand. But Maresca has insisted qualifying for Europe's elite was never the main target this season and would only be a bonus.
“The goal from Pedro doesn't change the season," he said. "I have said already, in the last three years we have never been in the Champions League spots. So, the goal doesn't change it. It's already a good season."
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