A Premier League player was sent off during a match after an altercation with a teammate. Everton's Idrissa Gueye received a red card from referee Tony Harrigton for slapping teammate Michael Keane in the face during the team's game against Manchester United.
The incident took place just 13 minutes into the match, which was scoreless at the time. Despite being down to ten men for the majority of the game, Everton managed to secure a 1-0 victory, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scoring the winning goal in the 29th minute.
The confrontation began after Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes missed a scoring opportunity, leading to an exchange of words between Gueye and Keane. Following a shove from Keane, Gueye retaliated with a slap, prompting two Everton players, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, to intervene. Gueye was seen grabbing Pickford by the neck as he attempted to separate the two players.
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed that the red card for Gueye was reviewed and upheld by VAR, as the action was classified as a clear strike to Keane's face.
After the incident, Gueye issued an apology on social media to Keane, his teammates, and the Everton fanbase. Football legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen commented on the situation, both agreeing that the referee's decision was justified. Rooney expressed disappointment over the incident, while Owen noted that such behavior crosses a line, reinforcing that a red card was the appropriate response.
This incident is not unprecedented in the Premier League; similar occurrences have happened in the past. In 2008, Ricardo Fuller was sent off for fighting with teammate Andy Griffin, and in 2005, Newcastle teammates Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer were both dismissed for a physical altercation during a match against Aston Villa.
0 Comments