Everton achieved a shock victory after playing for more than 80 minutes with 10 men as David Moyes and his players kept the lead secured by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half goal.
Advertisement
But the big talking point came early in the match, when Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for fighting with a teammate since 2008.
The two clashed after a loose pass from Gueye gave United captain Bruno Fernandes a chance, who shot wide. Gueye was furious and raised his left hand to slap Keane, and referee Tony Harrington immediately showed a red card, which was confirmed by VAR Paul Howard.
Gueye had to be restrained by his teammates, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Iliman Ndiaye, as he finally made his way down the tunnel. The 36-year-old midfielder tried to approach Keane, who continued to berate him.
It was not a punch, but the laws of the game state that players must be sent off for “hitting an opponent or any other person on the head or face with the hand or arm, unless the force used is negligible.”
Advertisement
On Sky Sports, Gary Neville argued that the incident did not warrant a red card, adding: “They weren’t fighting, it wasn’t a fight. It could have been dealt with with a yellow card. I don’t think a red was necessary.”
Jamie Carragher agreed that referee Harrington acted too quickly. “I just think: can a referee manage the situation a little better?” he said on Sky Sports. “Can you get them both together and say, ‘Hey, can you behave?’
But the Premier League said: “The referee’s red card to Gueye for violent conduct was verified and confirmed by VAR, and the action was considered a clear punch to Keane’s face.”
Gueye’s red card was the first time a player had been sent off for fighting with a teammate in the Premier League since Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller slapped teammate and captain Andy Griffin during a defeat to West Ham in December 2008.
Advertisement
Another infamous example of infighting in the Premier League was when his Newcastle team-mate Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer fell out during a 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa at St James’ Park in April 2005.
Newcastle’s Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer fight in 2005 (Getty Images)
Gueye’s shot at Keane barely reached those levels, but it left Everton in a difficult situation at Old Trafford. That said, Dewsbury-Hall scored a spectacular first goal to give the 10-man visitors the lead at half-time, a lead they maintained while producing a resilient link-up performance that defied Gueye’s earlier action.
He delighted Everton manager Moyes, who claimed his first victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager, praising the spirit of his players and saying: “I like my players to fight amongst themselves.”
Advertisement
Moyes said Gueye had apologized to Keane and his team-mates and that the Everton manager also felt the referee had acted too quickly. “If nothing had happened, I don’t think anyone in the stadium would have been surprised,” he said.
David Moyes’ team held on and achieved a famous victory (REUTERS)
“I thought the referee could have taken a little more time to think about it. I was told that the rules of the game say that if you slap your own player, you could get into trouble.
“But there’s another side to this: I like my players to fight each other, if someone didn’t do the right action. If you want that toughness and resilience to get a result, you want someone to act on it.
Advertisement
“I am disappointed by the expulsion. But we have all been footballers, we get angry with our teammates. He apologized for the expulsion, praised the players and thanked them for it and apologized for what happened.”
Gueye apologized to Keane and his teammates after his expulsion (Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Match winner Dewsbury-Hall said Gueye’s red card brought those on the pitch closer as they battled for victory. Goalkeeper Pickford made some key saves, while there were also a number of blocks from the Everton defense that prevented United from achieving an equaliser.
“Roller coaster game. I’ll sleep well tonight, so to speak,” Dewsbury-Hall said. “I’m really happy for the lads and how hard they worked. A fantastic performance where we put in the effort, got a goal and kept that spirit going. We’re really happy to get the three points.
Advertisement
“We started very well, the situation happened. It was a crazy moment, avoidable. But all I can say is that Idrissa apologized to us every step of the way, he said his part and that’s all he can do. We moved on.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall secured a famous victory for Everton (AFP via Getty Images)
“The reaction on our part was incredible. Top level. We could have collapsed, but if anything, it made us grow.”
As Gueye was sent off for violent conduct, he will serve a three-man ban. However, the Senegalese international will go to the African Cup of Nations in early December, so he may not play for Everton again for a couple of months.