Keith Hackett Exclusive: Michael Keane ‘lottery’ underway as Everton appeal to FA
Everton defender Michael Keane was fuming as Thomas Kirk sent him off against Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old was shown a direct red card by the on-field referee in the 83rd minute on 7 January after a VAR review, as his action of pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair was deemed violent conduct.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean agreed with Keane’s sending off, and Kirk apparently made the right decision after reviewing the footage.
The Times journalist Paul Joyce has now revealed that the Merseyside outfit have submitted an appeal regarding the incident at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and it will be interesting to see the outcome.
Michael Keane may be let off for hair-pull in Everton draw vs Wolves
It was a game of two halves for Keane and Everton against Wolves, with the hosts cruising in the opening 45 minutes.
The English centre-back scored the opener for the Toffees in the 17th minute at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the game turned on its head after the break.
In a moment of evident madness, the defender pulled Arokodare’s while jumping for a header, and despite his protestations, Kirk gave him his marching orders.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes an appeal could potentially go in Keane’s favour if his actions aren’t deemed to have involved excessive force.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, the ex-FIFA-listed official said, “Remember that the FA operate under a regulatory panel. There are ex-football players represented in the panel that a selection is made. In law, it’s a straight red. However, the appeal might be made in the understanding that excessive force was not used when the hair was grabbed. It’s a lottery.”
Jack Grealish was also sent off by Kirk for his sarcastic applause of a decision, leaving Moyes without two of his key players for the upcoming game.
What David Moyes had to say about Michael Keane red card vs Wolves
The Toffees face Sunderland next in the FA Cup on 10 January, and it remains to be seen who he’ll have available.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien start at the back, with Keane suspended as of now.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, Moyes said, “I think it’s not deliberate tugging of the hair. Certainly not violent. Certainly not aggressive. Maybe if we all grow our hair longer, maybe we might get a few more red cards and deliberate decisions given against us.”
It’s clear the Scottish manager feels aggrieved by the decision at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and fans in L4 will undoubtedly be waiting for the appeal’s outcome.