Idrissa Gueye of Everton was shown a straight red card during the Premier League match against Manchester United after an altercation with teammate Michael Keane. The incident occurred in the 13th minute of the game, which was still goalless, as United’s Bruno Fernandes came close to scoring.
Tensions flared when Gueye and Keane began to argue on the pitch. In a sequence that escalated quickly, Keane appeared to push Gueye twice, prompting the midfielder to respond by placing his hand in Keane’s face. The situation necessitated intervention from Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, who stepped in to separate the two players.
Referee Tony Harrington promptly issued Gueye a red card for violent conduct, a decision that was later supported by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which confirmed that Gueye’s action constituted a clear strike to Keane’s face. According to the rules governing violent conduct, a player can be sent off for striking anyone on the head or face unless the force used is considered negligible.
This incident highlights the pressures players face on the field and the importance of maintaining composure, especially during high-stakes matches. As the season progresses, teams will likely work on ensuring that conflicts between teammates do not escalate to such a point, preserving team harmony and on-field discipline.