Gueye slapped Keane in the 13th minute, adding to the history of on-field brawls with teammates.

In the 13th minute against Manchester United, Idrissa Gueye received a direct red card after slapping Michael Keane. A moment of explosive pressure and frustration – and also a slice of a familiar story: teammates on the same team sometimes become rivals on the pitch.

The incident immediately cost Everton players, exposed internal rifts, and tested emotional management at the highest level. It extended a series of infamous clashes in football, where ego, responsibility, and the pace of the game can turn a dispute into violence.

Moment of brilliance: Gueye vs. Keane in the 13th minute.

The incident unfolded in a flash after Everton nearly conceded a goal from Bruno Fernandes' shot. Michael Keane pushed Gueye, and the Senegalese midfielder's response was a slap – enough for the referee to issue a direct red card.

From a game management perspective, the early red card put Everton at a disadvantage right from the start, exposing a problem with emotional control within the team and creating a ripple effect on concentration and discipline on the pitch.

Memorable precedents

Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer (Newcastle, 2005)

One of the most iconic moments in Premier League history: two Newcastle teammates publicly punched each other at the end of a 0-3 defeat to Aston Villa. Both were sent off. Manager Graeme Souness later pulled them in front of the media to apologize – a testament to the utter frustration of a team in crisis.

Ricardo Fuller and Andy Griffin (Stoke City, 2008)

In the 1-2 defeat to West Ham, Fuller was sent off for slapping Griffin's captain. After the match, Fuller accused Griffin of being rude and disrespectful – a reminder that internal conflict often stems from uncontrolled words and disagreements over defensive responsibilities.

Graeme Le Saux and David Batty (Blackburn Rovers, 1995)

In the Champions League, the 0-3 defeat against Spartak Moscow became a stain on the team when Batty displayed his attitude after a collision over the ball, leading to a scuffle. Le Saux swung his arm and broke his left arm. Captain Tim Sherwood also took a punch to the cheek while trying to intervene.

Craig Levein and Graeme Hogg (Hearts, 1994)

During a friendly match, two players punched each other after a near-miss. Levein's punch broke Hogg's nose. Both were sent off and received lengthy suspensions: Levein 10 matches, Hogg 12 matches.

Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min (Tottenham, 2020)

Not every conflict escalates into violence. Lloris angrily confronted Son right after the halftime whistle because Son didn't drop back to defend. The argument continued into the tunnel, but the two embraced and made peace after the match – a professional way to put the team first.

Common points and message

From Gueye-Keane to Bowyer-Dyer, the common denominator is that pressure and expectations can trigger moments of losing control. The immediate consequences are losses of players, a breakdown in discipline, and damage to the club's reputation.

Gueye's incident serves as a stark reminder: in a fiercely competitive environment, managing emotions and maintaining professionalism is crucial, sometimes even more important than playing skill. This lesson applies not only to individuals on the field but also to the entire system – from the dressing room to the technical area – where initial reactions determine whether disagreements are resolved or escalate.

The numbers are noteworthy.

• Everton: Idrissa Gueye receives a red card in the 13th minute after slapping Michael Keane.
• Newcastle 0-3 Aston Villa (2005): Bowyer and Dyer were sent off for fighting.
• Stoke City 1-2 West Ham (2008): Ricardo Fuller was sent off for slapping Andy Griffin.
• Blackburn Rovers 0-3 Spartak Moscow (1995): Le Saux broke his left arm during a fight; Tim Sherwood took a punch while trying to break up the fight.
• Hearts (1994, friendly): Levein broke Hogg's nose; suspended for 10 and 12 matches.
• Tottenham (2020): Lloris and Son argue over defensive duties, then make up.