Idrissa Gueye Sent Off Early in Everton’s Victory Over Manchester United

omidbasir- MANCHESTER, England — Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was dismissed for violent conduct just 13 minutes into their Premier League match against Manchester United on Monday after slapping teammate Michael Keane.

The incident occurred when referee Tony Harrington observed Gueye striking Keane in the face during a dispute in the early stages of the first half at Old Trafford. The altercation was triggered by a misplaced pass from Gueye to Keane that nearly resulted in a goal for Bruno Fernandes.

Harrington promptly issued a red card to Gueye, who had to be restrained by teammates Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye as he attempted to continue the disagreement with Keane.

According to the Premier League Match Centre, VAR reviewed the referee’s decision and confirmed the red card, deeming Gueye’s action a clear strike to Keane’s face.

This incident forced manager David Moyes to make a second adjustment within minutes, following an earlier injury that cut short Seamus Coleman’s first Premier League start of the season.

At the time of Gueye’s expulsion, the match was still scoreless, but shortly thereafter, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put the visitors ahead 1-0 with a well-placed curler from the edge of the penalty area, even as Everton faced the challenge of playing with ten men for the entire second half.

In an impressive display of resilience, Everton managed to maintain their lead against Manchester United, culminating in an unexpected three-point victory at Old Trafford.

This incident is not the first instance of teammates clashing on the pitch. Similar altercations have occurred in the past, including Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller slapping captain Andy Griffin in 2008, and the infamous confrontation between Newcastle’s Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer in 2005, which resulted in red cards for both players. Additionally, Blackburn Rovers’ David Batty and Graeme Le Saux were involved in a heated dispute during a Champions League match in 1995.