Idrissa Gueye Sent Off for Slapping Teammate During Everton vs Manchester United
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was shown a red card early in their Premier League clash against Manchester United after an on-field altercation with teammate Michael Keane. The incident occurred just 13 minutes into the match, leaving Everton with ten men for the majority of the game.
The confrontation was sparked by a misplayed pass from Gueye, which nearly allowed Manchester United to gain an advantage. Frustrated, Gueye confronted Keane, who responded with a shove. In a moment of emotion, Gueye slapped Keane in the face, an act deemed violent conduct by referee Tony Harrington, who immediately issued a straight red card. The decision was confirmed after a VAR review.
Following the match, Gueye publicly apologized to Keane, the Everton squad, staff, and fans. He acknowledged his mistake, saying, “Emotions ran high, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I’ll make sure it never happens again.”
Everton manager David Moyes commented on the incident, highlighting both disappointment and understanding. While condemning the violent act, he noted that such passionate disagreements can sometimes reflect a player’s commitment to the team. “I quite like it when my players fight each other… it shows passion and commitment,” Moyes said.
Despite the early sending-off, Everton managed to secure a 1–0 victory over Manchester United, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring the decisive goal. The win was celebrated as a testament to Everton’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The sending-off was notable in Premier League history. Gueye became just the third player ever to receive a red card for striking his own teammate, a rare and unusual occurrence in professional football.
The incident has since sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts, focusing on player discipline, emotional control on the pitch, and team dynamics. Gueye’s apology and Everton’s victory have tempered criticism, but the red card remains a memorable moment of the match.
Source: Thepressradio.com
