‘I’m rather surprised’ – Ex-PGMOL boss reacts instantly after Everton’s Idrissa Gueye appeal rejected
David Moyes has caused confusion after the Everton appeal against Idrissa Gueye’s ban was dismissed.
Gueye was sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane early in Everton’s 1-0 victory over Man United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The standard ban for a violent-conduct sending off is three matches but the Toffees appealed the decision instantly, which Moyes has now confirmed has been rejected.
Former FIFA referee and ex-head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett doesn’t understand why the Everton boss bothered to put in the appeal in the first place when there was “absolutely no chance” of winning it.
Keith Hackett baffled by Everton appeal
Despite the risk of the Senegalese midfielder’s ban being extended in the circumstances Hackett predicts the outcome will simply be for the original ban to stand.
Gueye would miss the upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest if suspended for three games.
Hackett exclusively told Goodison News: “When Idrissa Gueye of Everton slapped the face of his colleague Michael Keane that was a clear violent act in the laws of the game.
“The referee took the correct course of action to dismiss.
“I’m rather surprised that David Moyes didn’t consult with perhaps a referee to get their advice, because there was absolutely no chance of winning an appeal.
“The danger in these situations is if the appeals panel believes it’s a frivolous appeal then in that situation they may add to the suspension.
“I think on this occasion they’ll probably, hopefully, use it just as a learning curve for the manager to get across to his players that any handling of an opponent or a colleague from the neck upwards with the hands is an act of violent conduct for which a red card will always be applied.”
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Everton will be stronger for clash
The conduct involved as Keane and Gueye argued over a loose ball in the 13th minute at Old Trafford was only violent in the most literal interpretation of the word, and had Jordan Pickford been able to get between the pair a second quicker it likely wouldn’t have even got that far.
But by the letter of the law it was the correct decision and it was hardly likely to be rescinded when the appeals panel will have been aware of the example that might set.
However, since Everton still went on to win thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s excellent winner and a great rearguard performance from the rest of the team Moyes is leaning into the positives.
Gueye and Keane themselves are said to have quickly buried the hatchet, while the Toffees boss and even Ruben Amorim said after full time they admired the commitment to the cause it showed.
If Moyes can foster a siege mentality amongst his squad in addition then the Scot will surely use it as a bonus as he hopes to maintain the resolve shown on the pitch in the next few games.
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