Drama unfolded at Goodison Park as Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye received a straight red card in their match against Manchester United. The bizarre incident occurred just 13 minutes into the game, leaving the Toffees with a significant disadvantage.
The sending off stemmed from an on-field disagreement between Gueye and his teammate, Michael Keane. Eyewitness accounts and Premier League Match Centre reports suggest that Gueye was unhappy with Keane's defending during a preceding Manchester United attack.
Visibly frustrated, Gueye confronted Keane inside Everton's penalty area, even though the ball was out of play. The situation escalated as the two players went head-to-head. Gueye then appeared to strike Keane in the face, prompting intervention from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Referee Tony Harrington wasted no time in issuing a straight red card to the 36-year-old Gueye. Pickford had to physically restrain the incensed midfielder as Keane gestured towards his head, seemingly questioning Gueye's actions.
The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision via social media, stating that VAR had reviewed the incident and upheld the referee's call of violent conduct, deeming Gueye's action a clear strike to Keane's face.
Commentator and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville weighed in on the incident, saying, "It's a coming together between him and Michael Keane... It always looks unsavoury when it's teammate on teammate... Idrissa Gueye has gone over to Keane - he hasn't really reacted. He just pushes him, and then there's not much in it... I mean, I think Jordan Pickford does a very good job [breaking it up] to be fair to him."
This unexpected red card adds another layer of complexity to Everton's already challenging season. The team now faces an uphill battle against Manchester United, playing a man down for the majority of the match.