Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card after striking team-mate Michael Keane during their 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The incident happened in the 13th minute as both players argued following a Manchester United attack. Keane appeared to push Gueye twice before the Senegal midfielder hit him with an open hand, prompting referee Tony Harrington to dismiss him for violent conduct.
Jordan Pickford quickly separated the pair, but the VAR review confirmed the referee’s decision.
“The action was a clear strike to the face,” the Premier League Match Centre stated.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Everton held on to win thanks to a 29th-minute goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Moyes: “I Quite Like It”
Surprisingly, Everton manager David Moyes didn’t seem too bothered by his players’ confrontation.
“I quite like when my players fight each other,” he said. “It shows toughness and standards.”
Moyes added that he wants his squad to demand more from each other, even if tensions occasionally boil over.
After the match, Gueye posted an apology on social media, saying he took “full responsibility” and that his behaviour “does not reflect who I am”.
Moyes revealed that the squad accepted the apology, with teammates even applauding Gueye for owning up to his mistake.
Mixed Reactions to the Red Card
Opinions were divided across football figures and pundits.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim disagreed with the sending-off, saying:
“We can fight with team-mates… I don’t agree with the decision.”
Some former players felt the red card was harsh, suggesting a yellow might have been enough, while others believed the referee had no choice based on the laws of the game.
For context, Opta noted this was only the third time since 2000 that a Premier League player has been sent off for clashing with a teammate.
Everton Push Up the Table
Despite the chaos, Everton secured their second consecutive win, moving to 11th—above Liverpool on goal difference.
It was a landmark moment for Moyes, who claimed his first-ever Premier League win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager after 17 previous attempts.
Dewsbury-Hall called the incident a “moment of madness” but said it ultimately made the team “grow stronger”.
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