Everton manager David Moyes ‘quite likes’ his players fighting after Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane caught in scrap

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off early in the Toffees’ 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford after being involved in a tussle with teammate Michael Keane.

 

In the 13^th minute, Gueye’s stray pass inside the Everton box was intercepted by Bruno Fernandes who missed the target with a first-timed shot. This sparked an argument between the Senegal international and defender Michael Keane, which turned physical fast.

 

The defender appeared to shove Gueye who reacted by slapping him in the face. The referee, Tony Harrington, had a clear view as the events unfolded and quickly reached for his pocket and awarded a red card to the midfielder, much to his disgust.

 

When asked about the incident, Toffees boss David Moyes stated: “Do you know something, I quite like it when my players have a fight. I’m sort of saying I want them to be tough.

 

“I don’t want them to accept someone not doing well enough. Someone didn’t do the right thing.

 

“If you want a winning team, and that resilience and toughness that got us the result, you have to have players who are going to act that way.”

 

After the game, Gueye took to Instagram to express his feelings on the matter and take accountability.

 

“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 doesn’t 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.”

 

Manchester United were unable to break apart Everton’s defence despite having an extra man for most of the game. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game as the Toffees won 1-0.

 

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim disagreed with the referee’s decision to show Gueye a red card.

 

The Portuguese said: “We can fight with teammates. I know it’s violent conduct because the referee explained, but I disagree.”

 

A straight red card carries with it a three-match suspension meaning that Gueye will miss Everton’s games against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, returning just in time for their tie against current 2^nd place Chelsea on 13 December.