Premier League: Everton Midfielder Red-Carded After Altercation With Teammate

MANCHESTER: In a rare incident in the Premier League, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card and sent off after getting into a physical altercation with his own teammate, Michael Keane, during Monday’s match against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The incident occurred in the 13th minute of the game when a misdirected pass from Gueye led to Bruno Fernandes’ shot narrowly missing the goalpost. Gueye appeared frustrated that Keane did not move to cover him, and the two players began shoving each other. The confrontation escalated when Gueye slapped Keane, prompting referee Tony Harrington to issue a straight red card. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford intervened to separate the players.

Known for his calm demeanor, 37-year-old Gueye later apologized via his Instagram story to Keane, Everton, and the fans, stating, “Emotions sometimes get out of control, but this behavior is unacceptable. I will ensure this never happens again.”

**VAR Review:**
The decision was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which confirmed the on-field referee’s call. The incident was classified as “Violent Conduct” under the Football Association rules, which penalize players for using excessive or deliberate force against an opponent or teammate without contesting the ball.

**Match Outcome:**
Despite playing with 10 men, Everton managed to score the only goal of the match, ending Manchester United’s five-match unbeaten streak away from home.

**Historical Context:**
It is a rare occurrence for a player to receive a red card for fighting a teammate, with the last similar incidents taking place in December 2008 (Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller striking teammate Andy Griffin) and 2005 (Newcastle United’s Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer exchanging punches against Aston Villa).

The incident may have further consequences for Gueye, as he could potentially miss upcoming matches, including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.