Gueye sent off after heated clash with Everton teammate Keane at old trafford

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card after a confrontation with teammate Michael Keane during Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Sport360NG reports.

The incident unfolded in the 13th minute, moments after United captain Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring. Gueye and Keane exchanged words before Keane appeared to push the midfielder away twice. Gueye then raised his hand toward Keane’s face, prompting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to intervene and separate the pair.

Referee Tony Harrington, who had a clear view of the altercation, immediately dismissed Gueye for violent conduct. The Premier League Match Centre later confirmed on X that VAR reviewed the decision and upheld it, describing Gueye’s action as “a clear strike to the face,” which meets the criteria for violent conduct under the laws of the game.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart suggested tension between the players likely predated the flashpoint.
“The referee wasn’t close enough to hear what was said, but Gueye went towards Keane, who is significantly bigger, and Keane pushed him off,” Hart said. “When Gueye returned to continue the argument, the referee stepped in and sent him off. If that was all there was to it, it wouldn’t normally be a red card. Something must have been brewing.”

Despite going down to 10 men, Everton managed to take the lead through a 29th-minute strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Gueye’s dismissal is the first time since 2008, when Ricardo Fuller struck Stoke City teammate Andy Griffin, that a Premier League player has been sent off for an altercation with a teammate.

Former assistant referee Darren Cann described the moment as “unusual” but supported Harrington’s decision.
“He had an unobstructed view and clearly saw Gueye make contact with Keane’s face. Under the laws, that’s violent conduct,” Cann told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Former Everton manager Roberto Martínez, now coaching Portugal, told Sky Sports he was taken aback by the incident.
“There seemed to be a misunderstanding between them,” he said. “But by law, the referee had no option, raising a hand to the face is a red card.”