Ex-Premier League Referee: If Keane’s Action Was Deemed Violent, He Should Have Pushed the Face

When discussing whether Keane deserved a red card, former Premier League referee Darren Cann argued that Keane’s behavior did not constitute violent conduct.

In the 13th minute of Manchester United vs. Everton, Idrissa Gueye was shown a straight red card. Replays revealed that after a United attack, Gueye became emotional, engaged in a heated argument with teammate Keane, and slapped him!

Subsequently, the Premier League officially explained: “The referee’s decision to send Gueye off for violent conduct was confirmed following a VAR check, with the action judged as an obvious strike to Keane’s face.”

Commenting on whether Keane should have been dismissed, former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann said: “If Keane’s push was to be classified as violent, it should have targeted the face rather than the chest.

Of course, you can still be sent off for striking someone’s chest, but I believe Keane’s push was more about telling Gueye to back off.”