Idrissa Gueye received his second red card in the Premier League (241st appearance) and his first since October 2017

Gueye Sent Off for Clash With Everton Team-Mate Keane at Old Trafford

Gueye Shown Red for Slapping Everton Team-Mate Keane in Shocking Old Trafford Incident

In one of the most bizarre moments of the Premier League season, Everton’s Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute of their match against Manchester United for slapping team-mate Michael Keane during a heated on-field exchange.

What Happened Between Gueye and Keane?

With the game still goalless at Old Trafford, tensions boiled over when Gueye and Keane began arguing following a near goal from Bruno Fernandes. The argument escalated:

Michael Keane pushed Gueye away twice
Gueye put his hand into Keane’s face, striking him
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford quickly intervened to separate them
Referee Tony Harrington approached and issued a straight red card to Gueye

VAR Check Confirms Red Card

Everton's Idrissa Gana Gueye receives a red card after a clash with team-mate Michael Keane

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision via VAR, citing that Gueye’s act constituted “a clear strike to the face,” qualifying as violent conduct under the laws of the game.

Law Clarification: Any strike to the head or face with hand/arm (unless negligible) = red card
Gueye becomes the first player sent off for fighting a team-mate since Ricardo Fuller vs Andy Griffin (2008)

Reactions: “Something Was Brewing”

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford intervened to separate Gueye and Keane

Joe Hart (BBC Radio 5 Live):

“There must have been something brewing. It didn’t look like enough for a red — unless there was more behind it.”
Darren Cann (Former Assistant Referee):

“Harrington had a clear view. Gueye slapped Keane, so the red card was justified under the laws.”
Roberto Martinez (Former Everton Manager):

“I was very surprised. It was a misunderstanding, but the referee has no choice. The law says red.”

Despite Red Card, Everton Took the Lead

Remarkably, Everton responded to the chaos with a goal. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in the 29th minute, giving the Toffees a temporary lead, despite being down to 10 men.

Stat & Trivia

First intra-team red card in the Premier League since 2008
Everton now face the prospect of a suspension for Gueye, who may also receive internal club discipline