Everton's Appeal Fails as Gueye Begins Three-Match Ban
Everton Football Club has been left frustrated after their appeal to have Idrissa Gueye's red card rescinded was formally rejected by The Football Association. The governing body has yet to provide the Merseyside club with an explanation for their decision, adding to the sense of injustice at Goodison Park.
Unprecedented Premier League Dismissal
The incident occurred during Monday's 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, when Senegal international Gueye became just the third player in Premier League history to be sent off for fighting with his own teammate. The altercation with defender Michael Keane resulted in referee Tony Harrington showing the red card, a decision that manager David Moyes strongly contested.
Moyes attempted to diffuse the situation afterwards by expressing his appreciation for players holding each other to high standards, but remained critical of the officiating. 'We thought there wasn't enough and that the action deserved the red card,' the Everton manager stated. 'I don't think there were many people in football who thought it was a sending off as well.'
Midfield Crisis Looms for Toffees
The failed appeal means Gueye will now serve a three-match suspension, beginning with the upcoming fixture against Newcastle United. This comes at a particularly difficult time for Everton's midfield options, with Germany Under-21 international Merlin Rohl also sidelined through injury until the New Year.
Gueye apologised to his teammates in the dressing room at Old Trafford for his actions, acknowledging he had let the squad down. While the club hasn't confirmed whether he will face an internal fine, it's likely the midfielder will have to buy dinner for the rest of the squad as a gesture of apology.
Moyes supported Gueye's apology, noting it was 'a poor decision on the night', but emphasised that the club would handle the matter internally according to their own standards. The manager expressed further frustration about the lack of communication from The FA, stating: 'At the moment we have not had a reason back for why it has not been successful.'
