Everton Midfielder Makes Unwanted Premier League History
In a shocking turn of events during Monday's Premier League clash, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye wrote his name into an unwanted chapter of English football history. The Senegalese international became only the third player in Premier League history to be sent off for an offence committed against his own teammate.
The Bizarre On-Field Incident
The extraordinary moment unfolded during Everton's impressive 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The flashpoint occurred in the 13th minute with the score level at 0-0. Immediately after Gueye lost possession inside his own penalty area - leading to a scoring opportunity for Bruno Fernandes - the midfielder engaged in a heated argument with defender Michael Keane.
As the confrontation escalated face-to-face, Keane appeared to shove his teammate, prompting Gueye to retaliate with a left-handed slap directly to Keane's face. Referee Tony Harrington didn't hesitate, immediately issuing a straight red card to the Everton midfielder.
The decision was later confirmed by VAR, which reviewed the incident and deemed it a clear strike to the face. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and teammate Iliman Ndiaye quickly intervened to separate the two players and prevent further escalation.
Joining Premier League's Most Notorious Incidents
Gueye's dismissal places him in extremely rare company, with only two previous incidents in Premier League history where players were sent off for striking their own teammates.
Lee Bowyer vs Kieron Dyer (Newcastle, 2005)
In one of the most infamous meltdowns in Premier League history, Newcastle teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer fought each other during their team's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Both players received red cards, with Dyer handed a three-match ban and Bowyer suspended for seven games.
Ricardo Fuller vs Andy Griffin (Stoke City, 2008)
With Stoke City leading West Ham 1-0, Ricardo Fuller slapped captain Andy Griffin after blaming him for conceding an equalizer. Fuller was immediately dismissed, and the incident completely derailed Stoke's momentum as West Ham went on to score a late winner.
Consequences and Historical Significance
While Everton managed to secure a remarkable victory despite being down to ten men, Gueye's red card represents an unprecedented moment in the club's modern history. The incident overshadowed what should have been a celebratory result for the Toffees and sparked widespread debate across football circles about discipline and team chemistry.
The rare nature of this dismissal - being only the third such incident in over thirty years of Premier League football - highlights just how unusual it is for professional teammates to come to physical blows during a match. Gueye's action now joins those notorious moments that football fans remember for all the wrong reasons.
