Everton player sent-off for slapping ... his own teammate

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has been sent off during his team’s clash against Manchester United on Tuesday morning (AEDT) for slapping teammate Michael Keane in the face.

Referee Tony Harrington showed Gueye a red card in the 13th minute after he pushed and struck Keane following a miscommunication that gifted Manchester captain Bruno Fernandes a free shot on goal.

Idrissa Gueye kearns of his fate after striking teammate Michael Keane.Credit: Getty Images

Gueye sprayed his teammate for the mistake before getting in his face and slapping him before teammates Iliman Ndiaye and Jordan Pickford intervened and escorted him off the pitch, with some difficulty.

“There’s a red card here, dished out by Tony Harrington. And, Idrissa Gana Gueye has been dismissed,” commentators said.

“Iliman Ndiaye is trying to get his international teammate off the pitch here, and Jordan Pickford is also trying to get that message through.”

Gueye eventually walked down the tunnel.

Michael Keane and Idriss Gueye argue during Everton’s clash with Manchester United..Credit: Getty Images

“The video assistant referee this evening, Paul Howard, has now confirmed that the red card will stand. A clear strike to the head from Idrissa Gana Gueye on his teammate Michael Keane,” TV commentators said.

“To have a player dismissed for violent conduct is bad enough, but when it’s one of your own teammates, you can understand that look from David Moyes [Everton manager].”

The rules of the game state that striking an opponent or any player on the head or face with their head or arm is violent conduct.

This isn’t the first time a player has been sent off for an altercation with a teammate. In 2005, Newcastle United teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer were sent off and received lengthy suspensions for a brawl during a match against Aston Villa.

More to come.

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