Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute of Everton's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Monday night in truly bizarre circumstances.
The Toffees midfielder turned in frustration towards centre-back Michael Keane after a menacing United attack fizzled out, with the pair seemingly having words over how the situation was defended. The confrontation then became physical, and Gueye appeared to take a faint swipe at Keane, slapping him on the neck and side of his face.
As Sky Sports' broadcast cut away to show a replay of United's attack, a loud cheer could be heard from the Old Trafford home end - and as the cameras returned, it became apparent that referee Tony Harrington had shown Gueye a red card.
Pickford and Keane's Reaction to Gueye Being Sent Off
Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford
It was a bemusing incident which has divided opinion among fans and pundits, with Gary Neville questioning whether the level of force used - and the fact it was an encounter between team-mates - truly justified a sending off. However, journalist Laurie Whitwell has made a very valid point on X, highlighting Keane and Jordan Pickford's reaction - or lack of reaction - to the incident.
Rather than protesting the referee's decision, Keane immediately gestured towards the tunnel, suggesting he felt Gueye had been out of line and the decision was justified. Meanwhile, Whitwell claims Pickford also reacted as though the red card was deserved.
He said: "Very strange sending off after friendly fire between Gana Gueye + Keane. Gueye furious with Keane over United's chance that finished in a close shot by Fernandes, their heads came together. Tough to see why a red card, but Keane + Pickford both reacted as if warranted."
More Tolerance Should Have Been Shown for Incident Between Team-Mates
Lee Bowyer, Kieron Dyer
Premier League rules are clear - you cannot strike anybody in the face, whether that is a team-mate or an opponent. But in the same way it would be appropriate to playfight with a friend on a boozy night out but not a stranger, there is a different context when two team-mates are in disagreement.
That doesn't make it acceptable, but this incident was a far cry from Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer's infamous on-pitch slobber-knocker while playing for Newcastle United. If the referee hadn't spotted Gueye's swipe, it's very likely it wouldn't have been noticed by the TV cameras or VAR. The referee could and probably should have given Gueye the benefit of the doubt.
Gueye Now Set for Prolonged Absence
Idrissa Gueye
As the incident qualifies as violent conduct, Gueye will now have to serve a three-match suspension, meaning he will miss games against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. He will next be available for a clash with Chelsea, but the Senegal international is then expected to go to AFCON 2025, which starts on the 21st of December. That likely rules Gueye out Arsenal's visit to Goodison Park on the 20th of December, and depending on how Senegal fare in the competition, he may not be available to play again until after the 18th of January.
That could result in Gueye missing 10 of the next 11 games, with Everton's first post-AFCON fixture being a home clash with Leeds on January 26th.