Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has given his thoughts on Idrissa Gana Gueye's sending off during Everton's match against Manchester United.
The midfielder saw red after an argument with teammate Michael Keane, slapping the centre-back in the face. Jordan Pickford was forced to step in and usher the Senegalese international away, with him now potentially set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Although replays clearly showed that Gueye's hand had connected with his teammate, questions were raised in the immediate aftermath as to whether a red card was warranted. But Hackett believes that the 36-year-old can't have any complaints over the decision.
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Hackett: Gueye Deserved to be Sent Off
Everton's Idrissa Gueye is shown a red card
Premier League - Manchester United v Everton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 24, 2025 Everton's Idrissa Gueye is shown a red card by referee Tony Harrington as he clashes with teammate Michael Keane REUTERS/Phil Noble
Speaking to Football Insider, the former referee said: "I have no doubts that manager David Moyes will be less than happy with the fact that two of his players were involved in a confrontation and one of them then slapped his colleague across the face.
"In law, that is an act of violent conduct and leaves the referee and VAR, who will no doubt have reviewed it, no room to apply other than a red card. This comes under a violent act and the player will receive a suspension."
Watch Hackett's Explanation Below:
The Premier League's Match Centre account clarified on X that Gueye had indeed been dismissed for violent conduct. According to the league's rulebook, "a player who, when not challenging for the ball, deliberately strikes an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, is guilty of violent conduct unless the force used was negligible."
Hackett's opinion was backed up by former assistant referee Darren Cann, who told BBC Radio 5 Live: "In terms of violent conduct, it doesn't actually matter whether the offence is on an opponent, on a team-mate or on a spectator - it is still an act of violent conduct.
"I agree that it wasn't a Lee Bowyer/Kieron Dyer incident, but you can't constitute for various different levels of situation. All the law talks about is contact in an opponent's face with the hand or arm.
"Unless it is negligible force, and what we mean by that is a little tap on the cheek, then it is a red card. This act was clearly in anger after a disagreement."
Everton Lead Despite Sending Off
Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates
Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates scoring against Manchester United. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
Despite being reduced to 10-men, Everton were the ones who took the lead through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens with a fantastic curling effort. United have so far failed to make their man advantage pay, with the likes of Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes all off target.
Ruben Amorim will hope that his side can break down a stubborn Toffees backline before the final whistle goes, as they continue to apply pressure with attacking substitutions. Should they fail to win, it will end a five-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League.