Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for a confrontation with teammate Michael Keane 13 minutes into his side's Premier League clash at Manchester United on Tuesday (AEDT) – but even against 10 men, the Red Devils were unable to turn the match around and lost 1-0.
The pair became involved in a heated argument seconds after Bruno Fernandes had a chance for United and after Keane shoved Gueye, the Senegalese appeared to raise his hands into the defender's face, although contact was minimal.
Referee Tony Harrington reached for his red card and showed it to Gueye, who then had to be restrained by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Football's new home, Stan Sport, is the only place to watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, WSL, European World Cup qualifiers, J.League, NSWL and K League
The Premier League confirmed the decision had been checked and cleared by VAR.
It is the first time a Premier League player has been sent off for an altercation with a teammate since Stoke City's Ricardo Fuller was dismissed for slapping Andy Griffin during a match at West Ham United in 2008.
Everton manager David Moyes said that Senegal international Gueye had apologised and that the incident had some positives.
READ MORE: The left-field option that almost thwarted Head heroics
READ MORE: Why ugly $6m blow should set off alarm bells for Bears
READ MORE: Broad explains 'genuine' Ashes moment that went viral
"These things happen in football, I thought the referee could maybe have taken a little bit longer to think about it," Moyes said.
"I'm getting told the rules are that if you slap your own player or raise an arm in some way you can be in trouble. But, you know, there's another side of it.
"I quite like my own players fighting each other and getting annoyed with each other because of a bad ball or someone didn't do the right action.
"If you want a winning team, with the resilience and toughness that got us the result, then I think you've got to have players that are going to react in that way."
The Premier League match centre explained the decision on social media.
"The referee's call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action deemed to be a clear strike to the face of Keane."
https://x.com/StanSportFC/status/1993058276020220345?s=20
Gueye had recovered the ball inside Everton's penalty area and passed it into space – likely thinking Keane would move toward it.
Keane didn't, and United captain Fernandes stepped in and shot the ball wide before the fireworks started.
Gueye took to Instagram afterwards to apologise and said "nothing justifies such behaviour."
"I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction," he wrote.
"I also apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club. What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high, but nothing justifies such behaviour.
"I'll make sure it never happens again."
https://x.com/StanSportFC/status/1993107615375933715?s=20
United players slumped to the turf after being unable to make the most of their numerical advantage in what is a huge blow following some signs of life under Ruben Amorim before the international break.
Despite the setback, Everton won thanks to a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike, the midfielder scoring a cracking goal in the 29th minute.
The win saw Everton leapfrog city rivals Liverpool and draw level with 10th-placed United on 18 points.
https://x.com/StanSportFC/status/1993076853335265634?s=20
It was Everton's first Premier League win at Manchester United for 12 years.
United, who could have moved up to fifth with a win, dominated possession, especially in the second half, but Everton defended superbly to repel the hosts who looked blunt in attack.
Pickford made several fine saves to preserve his side's lead, the pick of them to claw away a Joshua Zirkzee header with 10 minutes remaining.
https://x.com/StanSportFC/status/1993094025126264841?s=20
"I'm incredibly proud of the players and the supporters here today because I know it has been a regular occurrence where we've not got a result here," Moyes said.
"It was never going to be an easy game for us with 11 players, but to do it with 10 players was an incredible job by the players."
The Premier League resumes on Sunday (AEDT) following midweek European fixtures.
– with Sam Worthington
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.