Idrissa Gueye Sent Off for Violent Conduct in Everton’s Premier League Victory

MANCHESTER, England — Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye received a red card for violent conduct merely 13 minutes into their Premier League triumph over Manchester United on Monday, following an altercation with teammate Michael Keane.

The incident unfolded when Gueye struck Keane in the face during a disagreement early in the first half at Old Trafford. This confrontation was triggered by a misplaced pass from Gueye to Keane in Everton’s penalty area, which resulted in a scoring opportunity for Bruno Fernandes.

Referee Tony Harrington promptly issued a red card to Gueye, whose actions were subsequently confirmed by VAR as a clear act of violence. Gueye had to be restrained by teammates Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye as he attempted to continue his argument with Keane.

In light of the situation, Everton manager David Moyes remarked, “I didn’t think there was anything in it. I was a bit annoyed they were challenging each other, but I was also a bit pleased they were fighting because it showed they cared. If we hadn’t seen that fight and resilience, they would never have managed to get through that game. [Gueye] has apologized to the dressing room. No issues, and we move on.”

At the time of Gueye’s dismissal, the score was still level at 0-0. However, shortly afterward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored a stunning curled finish from the edge of the area, putting Everton ahead 1-0 despite being a man down.

Remarkably, Everton maintained their composure against Manchester United throughout the second half, earning an unexpected three points at Old Trafford. Dewsbury-Hall commented on Gueye’s red card, stating, “It was just a moment of madness. It was avoidable, but Idrissa has apologized to us all at full-time. We move on. The team’s reaction afterward was unbelievable. We could have easily crumbled, but instead, it strengthened us as a unit.”

This incident is not unprecedented in football history; on-field altercations among teammates have occurred before. Notably, Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller slapped captain Andy Griffin during a match against West Ham on December 28, 2008. Similarly, in 2005, Newcastle’s Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were involved in a confrontation that resulted in both players receiving red cards during a match against Aston Villa. In 1995, Blackburn Rovers’ David Batty and Graeme Le Saux were also engaged in a heated argument during a Champions League tie against Spartak Moscow.