Everton Football Club has launched a fierce attack on the Football Association, accusing the governing body of applying double standards after a failed appeal against defender Michael Keane's red card.
Panel Upholds Controversial Dismissal
The club's attempt to have Keane's sending-off rescinded was rejected by a three-person independent regulatory commission. The incident occurred during Wednesday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers, when Keane was adjudged to have pulled the dreadlocks of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare.
Referee Tom Kirk did not spot the offence in real time, but was advised to review the footage by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official Chris Kavanagh. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Kirk showed Keane a straight red card for violent conduct, triggering an automatic three-match suspension.
Moyes' Fury and Accusations of Inconsistency
Manager David Moyes, incensed on the night, saw his anger intensify following the appeal verdict. He expressed utter disbelief that the panel upheld the ban, while referencing a separate incident from Arsenal's recent match against Liverpool.
"I'm absolutely amazed they didn't overturn it," Moyes stated. "To say it's violent conduct? We've just seen a game where it's okay to... push someone and lift them up when they've got a bad injury, but if you have a little pull of someone's hair, accidentally, that's a three-game ban."
He was directly comparing Keane's offence to an action by Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, who pushed injured Liverpool defender Conor Bradley off the pitch but received no sanction.
Club's Official Statement of Surprise
In an official club statement, Everton reiterated their firm belief that the incident did not meet the threshold for violent conduct. "Whilst the majority ruling of the three-person panel... is a decision we must accept, we are nevertheless surprised," the statement read.
It continued: "We appealed in the firm belief the incident did not meet the threshold for violent conduct as defined in the rules, and that the action was neither forceful nor intentional." The club now must prepare for upcoming fixtures without the experienced centre-back, who will serve his ban with immediate effect.
