Idrissa Gueye’s Red Card Overshadowed by Everton’s Resilience

In a notable incident during his 241st Premier League appearance, Idrissa Gueye received his second red card, the first since October 2017, while playing for Everton against Manchester United.

The dismissal occurred in the 13th minute at Old Trafford, with the match still scoreless. A confrontation ensued between Gueye and his teammate Michael Keane after United’s Bruno Fernandes nearly scored. During the altercation, Keane appeared to push Gueye away on two occasions, prompting Gueye to respond by placing his hand on Keane’s face.

Referee Tony Harrington intervened, with Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stepping in to separate the two players. Harrington subsequently issued a straight red card to Gueye for violent conduct. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed via X that the decision was validated by VAR, which determined that Gueye’s action constituted a clear strike to Keane’s face.

The regulations regarding violent conduct stipulate that a player can be sent off for striking an opponent or any individual on the head or face with their hand or arm, unless the force is minimal.

Commenting on the incident during BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart suggested that prior tensions between the players may have contributed to the escalation. He noted that the referee was not in a position to hear Gueye’s comments but observed a physical confrontation where Keane, who is notably larger, pushed Gueye away.

Hart remarked, “When he came over to continue the argument, the referee just casually walked over and sent him off. Jordan Pickford did very well in the situation. If that’s all that happened though, it isn’t a red card. Something must’ve been brewing between them two.”

Despite being reduced to ten men, Everton displayed impressive resilience by taking the lead with a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 29th minute.