Idrissa Gueye’s Red Card: A Shock That Changed the Game

In football, drama often unfolds in the blink of an eye, but rarely does it upend a match so thoroughly as Idrissa Gueye’s red card at Old Trafford. On November 25, 2025, Everton’s veteran midfielder, known for his calm and leadership, found himself the center of an extraordinary incident that overshadowed the entire night—and sent ripples through both his club and the Premier League.

The Incident: A Moment of Madness at Old Trafford

The match between Manchester United and Everton was already highly anticipated, but few expected the chaos that would ensue just 13 minutes in. Gueye, age 36 and a crucial presence for Everton, became embroiled in a heated argument with centre-back Michael Keane. The disagreement, reportedly over a misplaced pass that nearly gifted United a goal, escalated in seconds. Television replays caught Gueye raising his palm to Keane’s face—a gesture that saw him immediately dismissed for violent conduct.

As reported by Sky Sports, the decision left Everton with ten men for over 75 minutes. Yet, in an unexpected twist, the Toffees rallied. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s stunning long-range strike gave Everton a precious lead, and Jordan Pickford’s heroics in goal preserved it. The final whistle confirmed a famous 1-0 win for David Moyes—his first as a visiting manager at Old Trafford.

Inside the Everton Dressing Room: Fallout and Forgiveness

The drama didn’t end on the pitch. According to Daily Mail, tensions remained high in the dressing room at halftime; Gueye and Keane were deliberately kept apart to prevent further escalation. But football, for all its heat, can also be a place of rapid reconciliation. After the match, Gueye addressed his teammates directly, apologizing to the entire squad and specifically to Keane. His words were sincere, and the response—applause from his fellow players—spoke volumes about Everton’s unity.

Keane accepted the apology, signaling his readiness to move on. The incident, while shocking, did not fracture the group’s spirit. As one Everton insider noted, had the red card cost them the match, the mood might have been far darker. Instead, Gueye’s acceptance of responsibility and the squad’s reaction became a testament to the resilience and maturity within the team.

Gueye later posted a public apology on social media: “I want to apologise first to Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my team-mates, the staff, the fans and the club. What happened does not 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.”

Immediate Consequences: Suspension and Selection Headaches

For Everton, the ramifications are significant. Gueye will serve a three-match ban, missing key fixtures against Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest. As Liverpool Echo highlighted, this leaves manager David Moyes with a selection headache. Merlin Rohl remains sidelined after surgery, and promising youngster Harrison Armstrong is out on loan, narrowing Moyes’ midfield options considerably.

Enter Tim Iroegbunam—the 22-year-old is now the obvious candidate to fill Gueye’s shoes alongside James Garner. Iroegbunam, who impressed before the international break, is set for an extended run in the side. The situation offers him a rare opportunity to establish himself, especially as Gueye is expected to join Senegal’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco once his suspension ends. Everton may be forced to adapt tactically and personnel-wise until January, when new signings or loans could be considered.

Manchester United’s Missed Opportunity and Managerial Frustration

While Everton celebrated, Manchester United were left to reflect on a squandered chance. Playing with an extra man for over 75 minutes, United failed to exert control or break down Everton’s defense. Their best chance—a long-range effort from Bruno Fernandes—was easily saved by Pickford. The frustration was palpable, with boos ringing out at full-time and pundits like Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney voicing concerns.

Rooney, speaking to Premier League Productions, questioned manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical rigidity. Sticking with his 3-4-2-1 formation despite the numerical advantage, Amorim failed to inject creativity or take risks. Neville, meanwhile, called out the team’s “complacency”—a word that stings in the halls of Old Trafford. “You can lose football matches, but you can’t lose them like that. That’s nowhere near good enough, it’s not acceptable,” Neville said.

Amorim himself defended the notion of “fighting” among teammates, suggesting that internal competition can be a sign of commitment. But even he conceded that the red card was a setback and his side’s performance fell short.

Leadership, Lessons, and Looking Ahead

The fallout from Gueye’s red card goes beyond just missed matches. For Everton, it is a test of depth and adaptability. Gueye’s absence removes a stabilizing force in midfield, but his willingness to own up to his mistake has reinforced trust among teammates. The incident also highlights the thin line between passion and discipline—a line every professional must navigate.

For Everton fans, the next few weeks will be a litmus test for the squad’s resilience. Can Iroegbunam step up? Will Moyes find tactical solutions with a depleted midfield? And how will Gueye’s return, potentially as part of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, impact the team’s rhythm?

For Manchester United, meanwhile, the match is a cautionary tale about complacency and the need for tactical flexibility. With expectations high and performances uneven, the pressure on Amorim will only increase.

The story of Idrissa Gueye’s red card is, ultimately, more than a tale of discipline gone awry—it’s a window into the pressures, passions, and personalities that define top-flight football. Everton’s ability to rally and forgive, and United’s struggles to capitalize, both speak to the unpredictable drama of the Premier League. As Gueye serves his ban and the teams evolve, this moment will linger as a reminder that leadership is tested not just by what happens on the pitch, but by how teams respond when things go wrong.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Idrissa Gueye get a red card?

He was sent off for violent conduct. The incident involved him striking his own teammate, Michael Keane, during an on-pitch argument.

How many games will Gueye miss for Everton?

He will serve a three-match suspension. This ban rules him out of Premier League games against Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest.

Did Everton win the match against Manchester United?

Yes, Everton won the match 1-0. They secured the victory despite playing with only ten men for over 75 minutes after the red card.

Who is likely to replace Gueye in the starting lineup?

Young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is the expected replacement. He is set to partner James Garner in central midfield during the suspension.

How did the Everton players react to the incident?

The squad accepted Gueye’s apology. Teammates applauded him in the dressing room after he took full responsibility for his actions.

What was the reaction to Manchester United’s performance?

Pundits and fans heavily criticized United. They failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage, leading to questions about tactics and complacency.