Premier League releases statement on Idrissa Gueye’s red card against Man Utd

The Premier League has released a statement explaining why Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was shown a straight red card early in the first half against Manchester United.

Gueye clashed with his own team-mate, Michael Keane, after a loose ball saw Bruno Fernandes’ shot go wide.

The referee decided it was “violent conduct” and sent him off.

A statement from the league read: “The referee’s call of red card to Gueye for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action deemed to be a clear strike to the face of Keane.”

The sending-off appeared to galvanise Everton, as they took the lead before half-time thanks to a stunning effort from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.