New Everton footage emerges of Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane spat, officials had no choice
Howard Webb has spoken for the first time about referee Tony Harrington’s decision to send off Idrissa Gueye for slapping Everton teammate Michael Keane.
The bizarre incident happened in Everton’s memorable 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on 24 November.
Gueye was dismissed for slapping Keane in the first half of the match, but the 10 men of Everton brilliantly went on to claim all three points through a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall strike.
Everton have since moved to clear up the messy situation, and it is fair to say everyone involved has now moved on.
However, the incident has now been dragged back into the spotlight as PGMOL head Webb was asked about the incident on Match Officials Mic’d Up.
Howard Webb: Tony Harrington had no choice but to send off Idrissa Gueye
Gueye was understandably distraught at being sent off, but thankfully for him it did not matter as Everton came away with a win.
It is extremely rare for two teammates to come to blows on the field, and Webb insists the red card was the right choice despite plenty of debate at the time.
Reacting to new footage of the incident shared by Sky Sports, which shares audio from referee Harrington, his officials and the VAR team, Webb said: “When the referee in this case sees Gueye clearly slap Keane, his teammate, across the face, he’s got very little choice but to act as per the Laws of the Game.
“I’m sure the referee in this situation felt that he was put in a pretty difficult position – we want referees to use their personality.
“We used to always say Law 18 was common sense, the next law after the first 17, but we’ve also got to apply the Laws as well.”
Gueye has served his suspension but is now away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal until January.
- Read more: Roman Dixon could leave Everton in January after latest on ‘serious’ injury at Finch Farm
What did Gueye say after bizarre red card?
Gueye made his return to the Everton side for last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea, having been handed a three-game ban.
The midfielder posted an apology swiftly after being sent off at Old Trafford, which read: “I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction.
“I also apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club. What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high, but nothing justifies such behaviour.
“I’ll make sure it never happens again.”
Gueye and Keane have also since been pictured making light of the situation at Finch Farm.
Quite what triggered the reaction remains unknown, but thankfully it is now something that is firmly in the past.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews