Everton were reduced to 10 men in the most bizarre fashion against Manchester United.
An unusual lack of discipline was witnessed at the start of Everton’s Premier League game against Manchester United when midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for punching team-mate defender Michael Keane.
What happened between Idrissa Guyet and Michael Keene?
The two players were involved in a heated argument over defensive responsibility after Gueye’s misplaced pass led to a chance for Manchester United.
The altercation quickly escalated and as Keene confronted the Senegalese international, Gueye raised his hand and responded by seemingly slapping Keane in the face.
Referee Tony Harrington immediately gave Gay a straight red card for violent conduct, a decision later confirmed by a VAR review, which was described as a “clear blow to Keane’s face”.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and other teammates had to restrain the enraged Gueye, who had to be bundled into the tunnel.
The shocking sending off means the Toffees will play the remaining games with just 10 men.
The incident was the first in the Premier League for more than a decade and was quickly compared to the infamous on-field brawl between Newcastle team-mates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer in 2005.
As debate continues over the severity of the penalty, the Premier League’s Match Center has clarified that any blow to the face will result in a direct red card offense, unless it is deemed to be of “negligible force”.
Everton take the lead against Manchester United
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Everton took the lead at Old Trafford.
The goal was credited to Kevin Dewsbury-Hall, who danced his way past the United defense and slotted the ball into the top corner.
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