Everton Furious After Michael Keane’s Red Card Appeal Rejected

Everton say they are “surprised and disappointed” after their appeal against Michael Keane’s red card was rejected by the Football Association’s disciplinary panel, leaving the defender suspended for three matches.

Keane was sent off during Everton’s 1-1 draw against Wolves on Wednesday after VAR spotted him pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare during a set-piece. Referee Tom Kirk initially missed the incident but showed a red card after being advised to consult the pitchside monitor.

Club and Manager Outraged at Decision

In an official statement released on Friday, Everton condemned the decision, stating:

“We appealed in the firm belief the incident did not meet the threshold for violent conduct as defined in the rules, and that the action was neither forceful nor intentional.”

Everton emphasized Keane’s clean disciplinary record, noting he had never been dismissed for violent conduct in his entire career. The club labelled the three-game suspension “clearly excessive”, adding that the panel’s rejection of this point was disappointing.

Everton boss David Moyes also expressed fury in his press conference shortly after the ruling:

“I’m more angry with the panel who thought that was the case. I know who the three are, and I’m amazed they didn’t overturn it. I’m more embarrassed for whoever was on VAR. This was a poor call.”

VAR and FA Panel Under Scrutiny

Mane strike gives Wolves deserved draw against nine-man Everton

Moyes specifically criticised VAR’s intervention in the match, arguing that the contact did not warrant a sending-off:

“The referee is young, doing his third or fourth Premier League game, and VAR gave him a terrible decision to review. They shouldn’t have got involved.”

He also referenced a controversial incident in Arsenal vs Liverpool, where Gabriel Martinelli appeared to shove an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch, suggesting inconsistency in officiating:

“We saw last night it’s OK to throw a ball at someone, OK to push an injured player, but a little pull of someone’s hair gets you three games?”

What the Rules Say: Hair-Pulling as Violent Conduct

Hair-pulling is not explicitly defined in the IFAB Laws of the Game, but it is typically categorized as violent conduct, which is punishable by a straight red card and an automatic three-match suspension.

However, Everton argued the lack of intent and low force should have mitigated the punishment.

What’s Next for Keane and Everton?

Keane, 32, will now miss Everton’s FA Cup clash with Sunderland, and two vital Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Leeds.

His absence will be a blow to an already thin Everton defence. Moyes will be forced to reshuffle his backline as the Toffees look to maintain their momentum in both cup and league campaigns.