Everton fans would have been bewildered when Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for striking teammate Michael Keane against Manchester United.
However, the travelling Everton contingent at Old Trafford were jesting in tandem about the red card incident at full-time after a huge 1-0 win.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to down Manchester United, despite the Toffees being reduced to 10 men after just 14 minutes of the game following Idrissa Gueye’s red card.
And, with Michael Keane keeping a clean sheet despite his involvement in the incident, the fans let him know just how well he played by chanting his name at full-time.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye getting sent off against Manchester United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Michael Keane got himself in trouble during Idrissa Gueye red card but Everton fans chanted his name
Michael Keane got into a war of words with Gueye after the Senegalese star’s pass wasn’t read by the former Burnley star.
An initial argument turned into Keane shoving Gueye, with the latter striking back, earning himself a red card.
Gueye will take the headlines, but Keane wasn’t blameless in the entire incident.
Who was your MOTM vs Man United?
MORE EVERTON STORIES
However, he was well received by Everton fans at the end, with the 3,000-strong away crowd chanting his name at the end of the game in a huge win for David Moyes – with ‘Keano, Keano!’ belting down from the stands.
There may have been some negative publicity for the former England international but with fans in good spirits after their first win at Old Trafford in 12 years, they appear to have let the incident slide.
Michael Keane’s Everton performance kept Manchester United at bay
For all of Michael Keane’s downsides in that opening exchange, he actually had an incredible game defensively.
Winning two interceptions, making five clearances, as well as blocking two shots and winning all of his ground duels, Keane kept Joshua Zirkzee at bay and helped out his defensive partners.
What was Gueye thinking?
It’s his first-ever win at Old Trafford as an opposition player, having made five appearances for the club before his move to Burnley in 2014.
There have been shouts for Keane to be replaced during the summer but Keane has played remarkably well and that has seen David Moyes’ side jump above Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox