Everton and England star Jack Grealish has launched a scathing attack on football authorities, branding their decision to uphold a teammate's suspension as "embarrassing". The outburst came after the Football Association rejected the club's appeal against Michael Keane's three-match ban.
Everton's Failed Appeal Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from Everton's 1-1 Premier League draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday. Defender Michael Keane was shown a red card in the second half for an incident involving Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare. After reviewing footage, referee Thomas Kirk deemed Keane's action, which appeared to be a pull of the opponent's hair during an aerial challenge, as violent conduct.
Everton immediately contested the decision, arguing the contact was neither forceful nor intentional and did not meet the threshold for violent conduct. However, a three-person FA regulatory panel upheld the original sanction, meaning Keane will serve a full three-game ban.
The club publicly expressed its "disappointment and surprise", a sentiment fiercely echoed by players. Jack Grealish, currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, responded to the club's official statement on social media with a single, damning word: "Embarrassing." This public criticism could potentially land the midfielder in hot water with the FA, which often takes a dim view of players disparaging its disciplinary processes.
Moyes Questions VAR and Panel Integrity
Manager David Moyes did not hold back in his criticism, voicing anger both at the VAR intervention and the appeal panel's verdict. He revealed he knew the identities of the three panel members and was "absolutely amazed" they did not overturn the ban.
"To say it’s violent conduct..." Moyes said ahead of Everton's FA Cup tie with Sunderland. "We saw last night a game where it’s OK to throw a ball at somebody... yet to have a little pull of someone’s hair accidentally and for that to mean a three-game ban is quite extraordinary for me."
He directed particular ire at the VAR officials, suggesting they involved themselves unnecessarily in a minor incident. "This was a young referee doing only his third or fourth game and VAR gave him a terrible decision," Moyes stated.
Grealish Sees Red in Chaotic Finish
The match at Goodison Park descended into further chaos minutes after Keane's dismissal. Jack Grealish himself was sent off for two quickfire yellow cards, the second awarded for sarcastically applauding the referee after a decision went against him.
This left Everton to see out the game with only nine men. Moyes conceded Grealish was wrong to react as he did but pointed to perceived inconsistencies, noting other players had not been punished for similar gestures towards officials this season.
Choosing his words carefully to avoid an FA charge himself, Moyes concluded: "I can’t talk too much or they will be fining me... But if they want us to come on your programmes and talk, surely we should be able to speak the truth and how we feel." The episode highlights the growing tension between clubs and match officials over the application of VAR and disciplinary rules.
