Everton’s Idrissa Gay was shown a red card for punching teammate Michael Keane during the game against Manchester United.
The Senegal international was given his marching orders just 13 minutes into the Premier League match at Old Trafford after a skirmish with Keane. Gueye appeared to be unhappy with centre-back Keane after a miscommunication resulted in the midfielder giving away the ball in his own half.
After exchanging words, the two sides faced off inside the 18-yard box, after which Gueye raised his right arm and attempted to slap Keane in the face.
When Guye did this, referee Tony Harrington had no hesitation in giving him a red card.
Everton captain Jordan Pickford tried to calm the situation while pulling Gueye away from Keane. But by the time Guye made his way toward the tunnel, it was too late.
Neville told Sky Sports: “It’s a closeness between him and Michael Keane. It always seems uncomfortable when they’re team-mates.
“Idrissa Guyet went to Keane and he didn’t really react. He just shoved it and after that there was no big deal. No big deal. I mean, I think Jordan Pickford, to be fair to him, did a very good job[of defusing the situation].”
In a statement, the Premier League said: “#MUNEVE – 13′ Gueye was given a red card by the referee for violent conduct, which was confirmed by VAR and was deemed to be a clear blow to Keane’s face.”
Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez commented on the incident at half-time, saying: “No, I was very surprised. We need intensity. It was a bit of a misunderstanding. I don’t think the referee had any other choice.”
Jamie Carragher added: “Sometimes I think the referee could have a little more control of the situation, but as you said, the actual ruling is a bit like when we talk about tackles and excessive force, we’re talking about slaps here.”
“Can you just get the two of us together and say, ‘Well, behave yourself,’ instead of saying, ‘That’s the rulebook, so I’m just going to do it. If you look at the rules, you’re actually giving the umpire a little out.'”
