Everton manager David Moyes says the Football Association rejected their attempt to overturn Idrissa Gueye’s red card — and did so without offering any reasoning.
Gueye, 36, was sent off just 13 minutes into Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United after slapping team-mate Michael Keane during a heated confrontation. Jordan Pickford quickly stepped in to push the pair apart, but referee Tony Harrington still produced a straight red for violent conduct.
A dismissal of this type normally leads to a three-match ban, ruling Gueye out of Premier League fixtures against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
“We appealed the red card and it was turned down,” Moyes said.
“We weren’t given any explanation at all.”
Everton later posted a picture of Gueye and Keane wearing boxing gloves and hugging, signalling that the incident had been settled internally. Moyes confirmed the matter was resolved quickly in the dressing room.
“It was done and dusted straightaway,” he added.
“We want passion — just not exactly in the way it happened on Monday night.”
Everton Struggling for Midfield Options
Gueye has been a key part of Everton’s lineup this season, starting every Premier League match. His upcoming absence and his expected departure to Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations in December have intensified Everton’s midfield concerns.
Merlin Rohl has also been sidelined after undergoing hernia surgery, while Seamus Coleman remains out with a minor hamstring problem after being forced off early at Old Trafford.
When asked about midfield depth, Moyes admitted:
“Yes, we are light. Merlin’s operation has left us short, and Idrissa missing games only adds to the problem.”
Moyes suggested that players like Charly Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil could fill central roles if required. Rohl is not expected to return until January, and with Gueye soon unavailable, Everton’s squad remains stretched.
Everton continue their Premier League campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday when they face Newcastle at 17:30 GMT.
Everton to Honour Gary Speed with ‘Talking Bench’
Before the match, the club will unveil a memorial dedicated to former midfielder Gary Speed outside the new stadium. Speed, who captained Everton during the 1997-98 season and made 65 appearances for the club, tragically died in 2011 at age 42.
To mark the 14th anniversary of his passing, Everton have set up a “talking bench” designed to encourage fans to start conversations, combat loneliness, and raise awareness about mental health support.
The bench will be revealed ahead of Everton’s fixture against Newcastle, the club Speed played more than 200 games for after leaving Merseyside.
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