Former Everton Defender Analyzes Gueye and Keane Incident’s Aftermath

Former Everton defender Michael Ball has shared insights on the recent incident involving teammates Idrissa Gana Gueye and Michael Keane during their match against Manchester United on November 24, 2025. The game ended with Everton securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but the match was overshadowed by Gueye’s red card for violent conduct in the first half.

The incident occurred after a heated exchange between Gueye and Keane, following a missed shot by United’s Bruno Fernandes. Gueye struck Keane in the face, leading to his dismissal. Renowned football analyst Gary Neville expressed surprise at Gueye’s reaction, noting he was not entirely convinced the midfielder warranted a red card.

Gueye Takes Responsibility

In the aftermath, Gueye took to social media to apologize to both Everton fans and Keane, acknowledging the emotional intensity of the moment. He accepted full responsibility for his actions, which left Everton with ten players for the majority of the match.

The statistics from the match highlight Everton’s dominance in possession, with 70% compared to United’s 30%. Everton registered 25 shots, with 11 on target, while United had 36 shots, but only managed 7 on target. Despite being a man down, Everton managed to secure the three points.

After the final whistle, Dewsbury-Hall confirmed that Gueye had apologized to the team in the dressing room. Ball, reflecting on his own experiences, recounted a similar situation during his playing days. He recalled an incident involving teammates Richard Gough and Don Hutchison that was quickly resolved, leading him to anticipate a similar reconciliation between Gueye and Keane.

Moyes Offers Support

David Moyes, the Everton manager, commented on the incident post-match, indicating that he appreciates players showing passion and intensity. He stated, “I like my players fighting each other if someone didn’t do the right action. If you want that toughness and resilience to get a result, you want someone to act on it.”

Moyes further elaborated that such confrontations do not indicate a lack of camaraderie among the players but rather a commitment to the team’s success. “Fighting is not a bad thing… I don’t agree with the sending off,” he expressed, emphasizing the importance of accountability on the field.

Despite the victory, Moyes faces a challenge as Gueye will now be suspended for the upcoming clash against Newcastle United. Tim Iroegbunam is expected to step into the lineup to fill the void left by Gueye.

This incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about the dynamics of team relationships and the heat of competition in high-stakes situations. As Everton prepares for their next match, the focus will be on maintaining both team unity and competitive spirit on the pitch.