Everton’s Gueye sent off for slapping teammate during game against Man United

MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane during the first half of a Premier League game against Manchester United on Monday.

Gueye and Keane were arguing after the midfielder turned the ball over leading to a shot by United’s Bruno Fernandes in the 13th minute with the score 0-0 at Old Trafford.

The teammates were face to face when Keane shoved Gueye, who responded with a left-handed slap to the defender’s face. Referee Tony Harrington then showed Gueye a red card.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and winger Iliman Ndiaye intervened to walk Gueye away.

The Premier League match center posted on X: “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.”

On the play, Gueye had recovered the ball inside Everton’s penalty area and passed it into space – likely thinking Keane would move toward it. Keane didn’t, and the United captain stepped in and shot the ball wide.