Gueye’s Controversial Red Card Sparks Debate Among Fans and Analysts

In a striking incident reminiscent of the infamous Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer clash in 2005, Idrissa Gueye of Everton faced expulsion during Monday night’s match against Newcastle United after a confrontation with teammate Michael Keane. The Premier League swiftly addressed the situation, affirming the referee’s decision.

The Premier League’s match centre communicated via X: “The referee’s call of a red card for Gueye due to violent conduct was reviewed and upheld by VAR, determining the act constituted a clear strike to Keane’s face.”

Sky Sports commentator and Manchester United legend Gary Neville expressed his astonishment at the incident while commending Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his efforts to diffuse the tension. He remarked, “There was a coming together between him and Michael Keane. When it involves teammates, it often appears unsavory. Gueye approached Keane, who did not react much at all. I think Pickford handled the situation very well.”

Social media reactions varied, with one user, @agbnufc_, commenting, “Shades of Bowyer vs Dyer—you love to see it.” Another user, @ChelsChris03, claimed, “That is the softest red card I’ve ever seen. If it were two United players, it’d never be a red card.” Further commentary included @0xJonnyDee’s disapproval of Gueye’s actions, labelling him a “moron” for slapping a teammate, and @ViscogliosiLuca questioning the severity of the foul, describing it as mere “handbags.”

Additional remarks from fans included calls for an immediate interview with Gueye at halftime and expressions of disbelief from @Alexander_divi, who noted Keane’s shock at being slapped by a teammate. Support for Neville’s viewpoint also emerged from @mevans_11, who argued that a yellow card would have sufficed, especially given the context of the incident.

According to BBC Sport, Arsenal and Everton jointly hold the record for the most red cards in Premier League history, with 110 each. Gueye’s dismissal marks him as the first player to receive a red card for a teammate confrontation since the infamous altercation between Ricardo Fuller and Andy Griffin in December 2008.

The laws surrounding ‘violent conduct’ state that a sending-off offense occurs when a player strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with their hand or arm, unless the force used is deemed negligible. Neville suggested that the situation could have been resolved with a yellow card instead, remarking, “Was it negligible? That’s the key question. I don’t believe there was much to it. It wasn’t a fight. A yellow card could have sufficed. I’m curious about the conversation Gueye and Keane will have in the dressing room. How will that unfold?”

Looking ahead, Ruben Amorim’s United will face Crystal Palace away at Selhurst Park on Sunday, while David Moyes’ Everton will host Newcastle United the day before. The Red Devils will then begin December against struggling West Ham next Thursday, with the Toffees set to face Bournemouth two days prior.