Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card for slapping team-mate Michael Keane during Everton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, and a former team-mate has given his reaction
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
07:30, 27 Nov 2025
Joleon Lescott has detailed the chat he had with Idrissa Gueye following his red card at Old Trafford(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott has revealed Idrissa Gueye was as shocked as anyone by his red card meltdown at Old Trafford. The Toffees midfielder was sent off in the 13th minute against Manchester United on Monday after slapping team-mate Michael Keane across the face.
David Moyes‘ side went on to secure a 1-0 victory despite being reduced to 10 men for more than 80 minutes. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netted the only goal shortly after Gueye’s dismissal, and the Toffees managed to hold firm and claim a massive three points.
Lescott, who played alongside Gueye at Aston Villa during the 2015/16 season, has since spoken with his former team-mate. And he offered reassurance to the Senegal international over what rapidly became a moment of madness.
“We’ve seen it with Idrissa as well, and I spoke to him after that and he was like, ‘That was so out of character,'” said Lescott on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. “But I said, this happens, you’re allowed to be out of character for one moment, you know what I mean? It’s not like it’s happened every week. It is okay.”
Everton took all three points from Old Trafford despite managing only 30% possession. They also registered just three shots at goal compared to United’s 25, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making one particularly vital save from Joshua Zirkzee.
READ MORE: Inside moment of madness that could see Idrissa Gueye miss TEN GAMES for slapping own team-mateREAD MORE: David Moyes’ blunt message that inspired Everton to break Premier League record at Man Utd
Former England goalkeeper and podcast guest Joe Hart even suggested Gueye’s dismissal could have been a blessing in disguise. While Everton wouldn’t deliberately choose to play with 10 men, the team responded magnificently to the early blow and showed tremendous character when their task became significantly harder.
“Actually, in the hindsight of them winning the game, it’s a massive moment. It can be a really big moment, good moment,” said Hart. “But it didn’t feel right at the time. I was watching it thinking, ‘What?’ These are these are high emotional moments, you know.”
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Lescott previously called Gueye his team-mate for one season at Aston Villa(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Gueye has since apologised to his Everton team-mates and reportedly spoke directly to Keane following Monday’s result. However, he must still serve a three-match suspension that will rule him out during a crucial part of the winter schedule.
In all probability, Gueye will link up with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations and would have been unavailable regardless. Nevertheless, he will miss at least the forthcoming matches against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
Lescott completed his final campaign in English football with Villa, while Gueye was still establishing himself in the Premier League when their paths crossed. After receiving support from his former colleague on Monday, Gueye issued a public apology for his conduct and abandoning his team-mates.
The former England defender revealed all on In The Mixer(Image: In The Mixer)
“I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,” he said in a heartfelt post on social media. “I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my teammates, 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.”
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