In a moment of pure Premier League madness, Everton veteran Idrissa Gueye was sent off for violently slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane, during a match against Manchester United. The shocking incident, which occurred in the 13th minute at Old Trafford, marks the first time a player has been dismissed for an act against a teammate since 2008.
A Shocking Act of Frustration
The bizarre scene unfolded early in the match as an argument erupted between the 36-year-old Gueye and defender Michael Keane. As tensions flared, Keane attempted to push his teammate away. However, Gueye dramatically crossed the line, slapping Keane directly across the face in full view of the officials.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford swiftly intervened, pulling Gueye away from the confrontation. This action came just as referee Tony Harrington stepped in to take control of the volatile situation. After a review by the video assistant referee, the slap was officially ruled as violent conduct, confirming the red card was the correct decision.
Commentators and Experts React
The unprecedented nature of the dismissal left commentators and pundits stunned. Mark Scott noted that while a red card for violent conduct is always bad, "when it’s on one of your own teammates, you can understand that look from (Everton manager) David Moyes."
Adding to the analysis, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart on BBC commentary provided crucial context. "The referee wasn’t even close enough to hear what Idrissa Gueye was saying but he was in Michael Keane’s face, who is considerably bigger than him and shoved him off with one arm," Hart said. "When he came over to continue the argument, the referee just casually walked over and sent him off... If that’s all that happened though, it isn’t a red card. Something must’ve been brewing between them two."
Matthew Upson expressed his disbelief at the suddenness of the altercation, stating, "To have that reaction between the two players it’s quite unusual. At this stage of the game nothing’s really happened, just out of the blue completely."
An Unwanted Piece of Premier League History
This red card is Gueye's first in the Premier League since 2017, but it is the historical precedent that makes it truly remarkable. Gueye is believed to be the first EPL player sent off for an act against his own teammate since Stoke’s Ricardo Fuller in 2008, a staggering 16-year gap between such extraordinary incidents.
Incredibly, despite being reduced to ten men so early in the game, Everton managed to take the lead soon after the dismissal. The live broadcast ironically missed the initial incident, as it was airing a replay of a Manchester United miss, though the Old Trafford crowd's audible jeering hinted at the drama unfolding on the pitch.
