Just when football fans thought they had seen it all in the Premier League, a moment of absolute madness occurred at Old Trafford. In a bizarre twist during the clash between Manchester United and Everton, the Idrissa Gueye red card incident has left pundits, fans, and managers completely stunned.
It is rare enough to see a straight red card in the opening minutes of a high-stakes match, but it is almost unheard of for a player to be sent off for violent conduct against his own teammate. The 14th minute of the game will go down in history as one of the most chaotic moments of the season.
The Moment the Idrissa Gueye Red Card Changed the Game
The match was delicately poised at 0-0, with Everton looking solid defensively against a pressing Manchester United side. However, following a breakdown in communication inside the penalty area, tempers flared instantly.
What started as a verbal exchange between Idrissa Gueye and his teammate, center-back Michael Keane, quickly escalated into physical aggression. The referee had no choice but to intervene. After consulting with the officials and VAR, the verdict was clear: an Idrissa Gueye red card for violent conduct.
The broadcast cameras caught the disbelief on the faces of the other Everton players, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who rushed to separate them. Being reduced to 10 men at Old Trafford is a difficult task at the best of times; doing so because of infighting is a managerial nightmare.
— Trend23 (@Trend23424817) November 24, 2025
Why Was It a Red Card? Understanding the Rules
Many fans took to social media immediately, asking if a player can actually be sent off for fighting a teammate. The simple answer is yes.
According to the Laws of the Game set by the IFAB, a player is guilty of violent conduct if he uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent, a match official, a spectator, or—crucially—a teammate.
The Idrissa Gueye red card falls strictly under this rule. The referee applied the law to the letter. Striking or aggressively shoving a teammate in a manner deemed “violent” is a dismissible offense. This incident serves as a harsh reminder that discipline applies to interactions with everyone on the pitch, not just the opposition.
Shades of Dyer and Bowyer
This incident inevitably draws comparisons to one of the Premier League‘s most infamous moments: the fight between Newcastle United’s Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer in 2005. Just like that historic clash, the Idrissa Gueye red card was born out of frustration and a complete loss of composure.
While teammate disagreements are common, they usually end with shouting. Physical altercations are exceptionally rare, which is why this specific incident has gone viral so quickly.
The Impact on Everton’s Season
Losing a key midfielder like Gueye is a blow, but the manner of the exit is damaging to the team’s morale.
- Suspension Risks: A straight red card for violent conduct usually carries a three-match ban.
- Squad Harmony: Sean Dyche will have a massive job on his hands to repair the relationship between his midfielder and defender.
- Tactical Shift: Playing with 10 men for over 75 minutes against Manchester United puts immense physical strain on the remaining players.
Social Media Reaction to the Idrissa Gueye Red Card
Unsurprisingly, the internet exploded the moment the red card was brandished. The Idrissa Gueye red card became a trending topic globally within minutes.
Fans expressed a mixture of hilarity and shock. Memes circulated comparing the duo to siblings fighting in the backyard, while Everton supporters were left questioning the professionalism of their senior players. In the age of instant reaction, this moment highlights how quickly a single lapse in judgment can become the defining image of a matchweek.
A Lesson in Discipline
The Idrissa Gueye red card at Old Trafford will be talked about for years to come. It serves as a bizarre, yet critical lesson in professional discipline. In the heat of the Premier League, keeping your cool is just as important as technical ability. For Everton, the focus must now turn to damage limitation, both on the scoreboard and in the dressing room.
