VIDEO: 'Shades of Bowyer v Dyer!' - Idrissa Gueye's Shocking Red Card Incident Explained
Idrissa Gueye was surprisingly sent off for Everton after an altercation with his own team-mate Michael Keane during their clash against Manchester United. This blog delves into the details of the incident, reactions from fans and analysts, as well as the Premier League's justification for the red card decision.
Idrissa Gueye was shockingly sent off for Everton after striking the face of team-mate Michael Keane in their Premier League game at Manchester United. Seconds after the Red Devils shot narrowly wide, the veteran angrily confronted the defender, before appearing to hit out at him. Referee Tony Harrington immediately issued a red card as the Toffees went down to 10 men after just 13 minutes.In shades of Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dier for Newcastle United in 2005, Gueye clashed with Everton team-mate Keane on Monday night. He was soon giving his marching orders, with the Premier League quickly moving to explain the decision.The Premier League match centre posted on X: "The referee’s call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action deemed to be a clear strike to the face of Keane."On Sky Sports' commentary, United legend Gary Neville expressed his shock at what he had just seen, while praising Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for trying to diffuse the situation.He said: "There's a coming together between him and Michael Keane. It always looks unsavoury when it is team-mate on team-mate. Idrissa Gueye has gone towards Michael Keane, who hasn't really reacted. He just pushes them, and then there is not much in it. I think Jordan Pickford does a very good job, to be fair to him."@agbnufc_ wrote on X: "Shades of Bowyer vs Dyer you love to see it."@ChelsChris03 tweeted: "That is the softest red card I’ve ever seen. Let’s just say if that was 2 united players it’d never be a red card."@0xJonnyDee commented: "What a moron. Slapping your own teammate and getting sent off for it. Not seen that in a long time."@ViscogliosiLuca mused: "Is that really worthy of a red card?. A bit of handbags, nothing more than that."@Alexander_divi exclaimed: "MICHAEL KEANE CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT HE JUST WITNESSED. HE GOT SLAPPED IN THE FACE BY HIS OWN TEAMMATE WHO THEN GOT SEND OFF."@ftbIdxniel put: "Game's gone," and @Ash_LFC7 added: "So pushing your own team mate gives you a red card now. Honestly the PGMOL are an utter embarrassment. Football is a dying sport."According to BBC Sport, Arsenal, and now Everton, have been shown the more red cards than any other side in Premier League history at 110. Moreover, Gueye became the first player to be red carded in the division for fighting with a team-mate since Stoke City duo Ricardo Fuller and Andy Griffin in December 2008.Incidentally, the laws around 'violent conduct' state: 'Sending off offence - Striking an opponent or any other person on the head or face with their hand or arm, unless the force used was negligible."And according to Neville, it could have easily been avoided if the correct card was dished out. "Was it negligible? That's the question. I think it was negligible. I don't think there was much in that at all," he said. "They were not fighting, it wasn't a scrap. It could have been dealt with by a yellow. I don't think it needed to be a red. I'm now trying to imagine what Gueye and Keane say when they get to the dressing room. How is that one going to go?"
The Incident
In a dramatic turn of events, Idrissa Gueye was shown a red card for allegedly striking his team-mate Michael Keane in the face during Everton's match against Manchester United. The incident unfolded mere minutes into the game, with referee Tony Harrington taking swift action to send Gueye off the pitch, reducing Everton to 10 men.
Reactions and Comparisons
Fans and pundits were quick to draw parallels between Gueye's clash with Keane and the infamous Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer incident at Newcastle United in 2005. Social media buzzed with comments questioning the referee's decision and likening the altercation to past football controversies.
Expert Analysis
On commentary, Gary Neville expressed disbelief at the turn of events, highlighting the unsavory nature of team-mates confronting each other on the field. While some argued that the red card was excessive, others pointed to the specific laws around 'violent conduct' that led to Gueye's dismissal.
Historical Context
The red card handed to Gueye marked Everton's entry into the record books as one of the Premier League teams with the most red cards in history. Additionally, Gueye's incident was noted as the first instance of a player being sent off for fighting with a team-mate since a similar occurrence involving Stoke City players.
Conclusion
The fallout from Gueye's red card incident sparked debates about the state of modern football, with opinions divided on the severity of the punishment. As the footballing world dissected the events, the episode served as a reminder of the fine line between competitive spirit and disciplinary actions on the pitch.
