MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – In a moment of high drama that overshadowed the Premier League fixture at Old Trafford, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was shown a straight red card on Monday, 24 November 2025, for striking his own teammate, defender Michael Keane. The extraordinary incident occurred just 13 minutes into the match against Manchester United, leaving players, pundits, and fans watching in Kenya and across the globe bewildered.

The altercation began after a Manchester United attack, with Gueye and Keane engaging in a heated argument inside their own penalty area. The confrontation escalated when Gueye raised his hand and appeared to slap Keane in the face. Referee Tony Harrington immediately brandished a red card for violent conduct, a decision that was swiftly confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The Premier League's match centre later clarified the dismissal was for "a clear strike to the face of Keane."

A Ruling Grounded in Law 12

The confusion among many spectators stemmed from the act being directed at a teammate rather than an opponent. However, the referee's decision is firmly rooted in the Laws of the Game established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Law 12, which covers fouls and misconduct, explicitly defines "violent conduct" and its consequences.

According to IFAB, violent conduct occurs when a player uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against anyone, including a teammate, when not challenging for the ball. The law states this applies to actions against "a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made." Deliberately striking someone on the head or face with a hand or arm is a clear infringement under this rule, mandating a sending-off.

Historical Precedent for On-Field Infighting

While rare, Gueye's dismissal is not without precedent in the Premier League. The incident immediately drew comparisons to one of the league's most infamous moments in April 2005, when Newcastle United teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were both sent off for fighting each other during a match against Aston Villa. That brawl resulted in significant sanctions, including a seven-match ban and a hefty fine for Bowyer. More recently, Stoke City's Ricardo Fuller was sent off in December 2008 for slapping his captain, Andy Griffin. These historical examples underscore that the rules against violent conduct are applied universally, protecting the integrity and discipline of the sport regardless of the relationship between the players involved.

Implications for Everton and the Wider Game

Despite being reduced to 10 men for over 75 minutes, Everton mounted a resilient performance to secure a stunning 1-0 victory, thanks to a remarkable goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 29th minute. The win marked Everton's first at Old Trafford in the league since 2013. Post-match reports indicated that Gueye apologised to his teammates in the dressing room for his actions. The incident serves as a stark reminder to players at all levels, from the grassroots fields in Kenya to the grand stages of the Premier League, that violent conduct is a serious offence with significant consequences. As a result of the red card, Gueye is expected to serve a multi-match suspension. The event has ignited discussions among football analysts and fans about on-field discipline, player temperament, and the unambiguous application of football's laws.