Idrissa Gueye’s Red Card Incident in Everton’s Victory Over Manchester United

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

Referee Tony Harrington issued the red card after witnessing Gueye hit Keane in the face during a heated exchange early in the first half at Old Trafford. The incident followed a misplaced pass from Gueye to Keane in Everton’s penalty area that led to an opportunity for Bruno Fernandes.

Immediately after the incident, Harrington brandished a red card, and Gueye required restraint from teammates Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye as he attempted to continue arguing with Keane.

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision, stating: “The referee’s call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR — the action was deemed a clear strike to the face of Keane.”

David Moyes, Everton’s manager, faced a tactical reshuffle shortly after the incident, occurring just three minutes following Seamus Coleman’s premature exit due to injury in his first Premier League start of the season.

Post-match, Moyes commented, “I didn’t think there was anything in it. I was a bit annoyed they were challenging each other, but I was also somewhat pleased to see their passion, as it demonstrated they cared. If we hadn’t exhibited that fight or resilience, they might not have secured a favorable outcome. Idrissa has apologized to the dressing room; it’s not an issue, and we move forward.”

At the time of Gueye’s dismissal, the score remained 0-0, but shortly thereafter, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put Everton ahead 1-0 with a beautifully curled shot from outside the penalty area, despite being a man down for the entire second half.

Reflecting on Gueye’s red card, Dewsbury-Hall remarked, “It was just a moment of madness. It was avoidable, but Idrissa apologized to us all at full-time. The team’s response was incredible, and we could easily have faltered and lost the match. If anything, this experience has made us stronger as a unit.”

Incidents of teammates clashing on the field are not unprecedented. The most recent notable case occurred in December 2008, when Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller slapped captain Andy Griffin during a match against West Ham. In 2005, Newcastle players Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were shown red cards following a confrontation during a Premier League match against Aston Villa. Additionally, Blackburn Rovers’ David Batty and Graeme Le Saux had a heated argument during a Champions League tie against Spartak Moscow in 1995.