Everton’s Idrissa Gueye Sent Off for Striking Michael Keane in Clash With Manchester United
Idrissa Gueye, an Everton midfielder, received a red card for striking his teammate Michael Keane during a Premier League match against Manchester United. The incident occurred just 13 minutes into the game, following a failed pass from Gueye to Keane in the penalty area. After the pass went astray, Gueye reacted angrily, leading to him raising his hand to Keane’s face.
Details of the Incident
Referee Tony Harrington deemed the action as violent conduct and issued a red card. This decision sparked controversy and debate among commentators and analysts. Notably, Gary Neville questioned the severity of the slap, suggesting it might not have warranted a red card, while Jamie Carragher suggested the referee could have managed the situation differently.
Suspended Matches
Due to this dismissal, Gueye will miss the next three matches for Everton:
- Newcastle (Home) – December 2
- Bournemouth (Away) – December 6
- Nottingham Forest (Home) – Date TBD
Historical Context
This incident marks a rare occurrence in Premier League history. Gueye became the first player since 2008 to be sent off for striking a teammate, following Ricardo Fuller’s similar dismissal. It is only the third recorded incident in league history, with Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer also infamously sent off for their on-field altercation in 2005.
Reactions and Opinions
Roberto Martinez, former Everton manager and current Portugal head coach, defended the referee’s decision, indicating that any action above the neck falls under violent conduct according to league rules. This creates a challenging situation for players who may accidentally contact a teammate during play.
The rules specify that striking an opponent or anyone else on the head or face is considered violent conduct unless deemed negligible. Neville’s comments on the incident highlight the ongoing debate about the consistency and interpretation of refereeing decisions in football.
Conclusion
Idrissa Gueye’s situation emphasizes the need for clarity in officiating and the regulations surrounding aggressive conduct in football. As the season progresses, Everton will need to navigate Gueye’s suspension and keep their focus on maintaining team performance amid challenging circumstances.
