Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton is shown a red card by Referee Tony Harrington after clashing with teammate Michael Keane as he is restrained by Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton is shown a red card by Referee Tony Harrington after clashing with teammate Michael Keane as he is restrained by Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How long will Idrissa Gana Gueye be banned for and can Everton appeal? Premier League suspension rules explained.
Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent-off in Everton’s clash against Manchester United.
The Toffees veteran was issued his marching orders in the 13th minute in what can only be described as a bizarre and unexpected incident at Old Trafford.
Gueye and fellow team-mate Michael Keane were involved in a melee after United midfielder Bruno Fernandes flew a shot wide. Gueye appeared to slap Keane, with referee Tony Harrington immediately issuing a red card.
Jordan Pickford attempted to defuse the situation and calm Gueye down before he walked down the Old Trafford tunnel. It means that the Senegal international will now serve a ban, which is set to be for three matches because of violent conduct.
A statement from the Premier League said: “The referee’s call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action deemed to be a clear strike to the face of Keane.”
As things stand, Gueye will miss Saturday’s visit of Newcastle United to Hill Dickinson Stadium, as well as games against Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth. The Blues could look to appeal the decision.
Premier League violent conduct rules explained
Premier League rules state that a player who is not challenging for the ball will be sent off if they:
- use or attempt to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent, teammate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made
- deliberately strike an opponent or any other person on the head or face with their hand or arm, unless the force used was negligible
- make a clear forward movement with their head resulting in contact with the head or face of an opponent or any other person, unless the force used was negligible
- clearly make forceful contact by holding or grabbing the throat/neck area, or gouges the eye of an opponent or any other person.
Coleman injury blow
Three minutes before Gueye’s dismissal, Everton lost Seamus Coleman to injury. The Toffees captain was handed a maiden Premier League start this season, having played twice to help the Republic of Ireland earn a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs. However, Coleman could not continue and was replaced by Jake O’Brien in the 10th minute.
The 37-year-old has suffered several injury issues in recent years and was forced off in a 2-0 win over Southampton int he final match at Goodison Park last term.
Continue Reading