Midfield Mayhem at Goodison Park: Gueye’s Red Card Leaves Toffees Down to 10 in 2-0 Loss to Newcastle – Fans Stunned by “Own Worst Enemy” Moment
In a moment of sheer pandemonium that has left Everton fans questioning everything, midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 34th minute for striking teammate Michael Keane during a chaotic goalmouth scramble, turning a competitive Premier League clash against Newcastle United into a one-sided rout. The bizarre incident, which saw Gueye’s wild swing connect with Keane’s face instead of the ball, resulted in a straight red card from referee Michael Oliver and a 2-0 defeat that deepened the Toffees’ woes under Sean Dyche. As Goodison Park fell silent, the “own worst enemy” blunder has sparked outrage, memes, and calls for an internal inquiry – with Gueye now facing a three-match ban and Everton’s survival fight hanging by a thread.
The drama unfolded midway through a scrappy first half, with Everton trailing 1-0 after Alexander Isak’s 12th-minute opener. Gueye, 35, the Senegalese powerhouse who’s been a midfield anchor since joining from PSG in 2022, lunged desperately to block a Newcastle corner. As the ball looped toward the six-yard box, Keane rose for a header, only for Gueye to swing an arm in a frantic clearance attempt. The forearm connected squarely with Keane’s jaw, sending the defender sprawling in a heap. Referee Oliver, aided by VAR, had no hesitation: red card for violent conduct. “It was reckless – no intent, but unacceptable,” Dyche said post-match, defending his player while acknowledging the stupidity.
The sending-off tilted the game irrevocably. Down to 10 men, Everton’s defense crumbled, with Isak doubling the lead in the 67th minute on a counter. Gueye’s exit left a gaping hole in midfield, where his 85% duel win rate this season has been crucial. Keane, who played on with a bloodied nose, later required stitches but waved off sympathy: “Iddy’s family – these things happen in the heat.” The incident, captured in slow-motion replays, has gone viral with 8.2 million views, spawning memes of Gueye as a “friendly fire” specialist and chants of “Own Goal Hero” from rival fans.
Dyche, facing his toughest stretch since taking over in January 2023, called it “a split-second madness that cost us dearly.” Everton, 16th with 12 points from 13 games, now stare down a relegation battle intensified by FFP penalties and a £20 million summer spend. Gueye, on a three-year deal worth £80k weekly, apologised on Instagram: “No excuse – I let the team down. Love you, Mikey.” Keane replied: “All good, brother – we’ll bounce back.”
The red card adds to Gueye’s disciplinary woes – his fourth this season – and fuels debates on Premier League officiating. PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended Oliver: “Clear and obvious violent conduct – no debate.” Fans are divided: Everton supporters decry “harsh” while neutrals mock the “Everton special.”
As Goodison processes the loss, one thing’s clear: Gueye’s swing wasn’t just at Keane – it was a self-inflicted wound on a club fighting for survival. With Manchester United next, the Toffees need miracles, not mishaps.