Ex-Premier League official instantly reacts to Everton statement on major controversy
Everton have learned their appeal against Michael Keane’s red card against Wolves.
Keane was sent off for violent conduct against Wolves on Wednesday, after being adjudged to have pulled Tolu Arokodare’s hair when both players went up to contest a header.
It was a decision that everyone inside Hill Dickinson Stadium of an Everton persuasion didn’t agree with, and ultimately paved the way for them going down to nine just minutes later, as Jack Grealish was shown a second yellow card after sarcastically clapping referee Tom Kirk despite being awarded a foul.
Everton held on for a 1-1 draw against Wolves, as David Moyes was left fuming at the officials for their decisions that could so easily have cost his side a point.
Everton lose Michael Keane red card appeal
In the aftermath of the game, Everton announced that they were going to appeal against Keane’s red card.
However, it was announced on Friday that Everton had lost that appeal, with the club releasing a statement on the matter to their official website.
“Everton Football Club is disappointed to report that an appeal against Michael Keane’s dismissal in Wednesday’s Premier League fixture with Wolves has been rejected by an FA panel,” the statement read.
“Whilst the majority ruling of the three-person panel to uphold the dismissal and three-game suspension is a decision we must accept, we are nevertheless surprised.”
“We appealed in the firm belief the incident did not meet the threshold for violent conduct as defined in the rules, and that the action was neither forceful nor intentional. Our appeal was also lodged in support of Michael Keane, a player who plays the game with the highest ethical standards and who, prior to Wednesday, had never been dismissed for violent conduct in his career.”
“It is our firm belief that the severity of the three-game suspension is clearly excessive, and we are surprised and disappointed that this point of appeal has also been rejected. Michael’s suspension begins immediately, and he will now not be available for our forthcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Aston Villa and Leeds United.”
Everton told Keane appeal was waste of time
Whilst many connected with Everton won’t agree at the ruling over Keane’s appeal, ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett doesn’t see why there is such controversy surrounding it.
Speaking exclusively with Goodison News, Hackett said: “Everton’s appeal was frankly never going to succeed.
- Keane has started 19 Premier League games for Everton this season
- He’s made 253 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 19 goals
- Keane is currently averaging his highest rating per match in all comps as an Everton player in 2025-26, with his average being 7/10 – per FotMob.
“The pulling of an opponents hair is a straight red card, and there are plenty of examples of previous bans.”
Keane will now miss Everton’s FA Cup tie with Sunderland this weekend, as well as league games against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
Moyes’ views after the game on the decision to send off Keane were echoed by every Everton fan, but this panel clearly disagrees.