Gueye’s Red Card Controversy Sparks Debate in Premier League

omidbasir- In a scene reminiscent of the infamous clash between Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer in 2005, Idrissa Gueye found himself at the center of controversy during a recent match for Newcastle United against Everton. Gueye was promptly dismissed after a confrontation with his teammate, Michael Keane, prompting the Premier League to clarify the rationale behind the decision.

The Premier League match center stated on X: “The referee’s decision to issue a red card to Gueye for violent conduct was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, as the incident was deemed a clear strike to Keane’s face.”

Commenting on the incident during the broadcast, football legend Gary Neville expressed his astonishment, while also commending Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for attempting to de-escalate the situation. “There was a coming together between Gueye and Keane, which always looks unsightly when it’s teammates involved. Idrissa Gueye approached Keane, who did not react aggressively. It was a mere push, and I believe Pickford handled it well,” Neville noted.

The football community reacted swiftly on social media. User @agbnufc_ remarked, “Shades of Bowyer vs Dyer, you love to see it,” while @ChelsChris03 criticized the decision, calling it “the softest red card I’ve ever seen.” Others voiced their disbelief, with @0xJonnyDee calling Gueye a “moron” for slapping his teammate, and @ViscogliosiLuca questioning the justification for a red card in this context.

Several comments echoed a sentiment that the punishment seemed excessive. User @mevans_11 supported Neville’s opinion, suggesting that a yellow card would have sufficed, especially given the incident occurred between teammates. Meanwhile, @ftbIdxniel summed up a broader sentiment among fans, stating, “Game’s gone,” and @Ash_LFC7 lamented the current state of football governance.

According to BBC Sport, both Arsenal and Everton have now accumulated the most red cards in Premier League history, totaling 110 each. Furthermore, Gueye’s dismissal marks the first instance of a player being red carded for a confrontation with a teammate since the 2008 incident involving Ricardo Fuller and Andy Griffin of Stoke City.

The laws governing ‘violent conduct’ specify that a player can be sent off for striking an opponent or any individual on the head or face unless the force used is deemed negligible. Neville expressed that had the situation been assessed accurately, it could have been resolved with a lesser penalty. “Was it negligible? That’s the question. I believe it was. There wasn’t much to it at all. It wasn’t a fight; it could have been managed with a yellow card. I’m left wondering how Gueye and Keane will address this in the dressing room,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Ruben Amorim’s United will conclude November with an away match against Crystal Palace, while David Moyes’ Everton will face Newcastle United the day prior. The Red Devils will then begin December against a struggling West Ham team, with Everton set to travel to Bournemouth shortly thereafter.