Idrissa Gueye's Red Card Highlights Rare Team-Mate Incidents in Premier League
Idrissa Gueye of Everton made headlines as he became only the third player in Premier League history to receive a red card for an incident involving a team-mate, after he struck Michael Keane in the face during Everton's 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
The Senegalese midfielder's altercation with Keane occurred early in the match, resulting in a straight red card for Gueye.
While such red cards are rare, with only two previous instances recorded in the Premier League, there have been numerous occasions where players have clashed with team-mates without facing expulsion.
BBC Sport has examined some notable instances of team-mate confrontations throughout Premier League history.
Bruce Grobbelaar vs. Steve McManaman - September 1993
Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar expressed his frustration towards team-mate Steve McManaman after a poor clearance allowed Everton to score during a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The disagreement escalated, leading Grobbelaar to push McManaman in the face, prompting a brief altercation.
David Batty vs. Graeme le Saux - November 1995
During a challenging Champions League campaign, Blackburn's David Batty and Graeme le Saux clashed after both went for the same loose ball on a freezing night in Moscow. The confrontation resulted in Le Saux breaking his hand after striking Batty.
Lee Bowyer vs. Kieron Dyer - April 2005
Perhaps the most infamous incident of team-mate conflict in Premier League history occurred when Newcastle's Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer exchanged punches during a match against Aston Villa. With Newcastle already down to ten men and trailing 3-0, both players were sent off, with Dyer receiving a three-match ban and Bowyer a seven-game suspension.
Emmanuel Adebayor vs. Nicklas Bendtner - January 2008
Following a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Tottenham in a League Cup semi-final, Arsenal forwards Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor were involved in a heated argument that resulted in Bendtner sustaining a cut on his nose.
Ricardo Fuller vs. Andy Griffin - December 2008
In a match against West Ham, Stoke City forward Ricardo Fuller confronted his captain Andy Griffin after a slip allowed Carlton Cole to equalize. This led to Fuller slapping Griffin, resulting in his dismissal from the game.
Anwar El Ghazi vs. Tyrone Mings - September 2019
Aston Villa players Anwar El Ghazi and Tyrone Mings had a brief altercation during a goalless draw with West Ham. Mings expressed his displeasure at El Ghazi's lack of defensive effort, which escalated to a near headbutt before the issue was resolved at halftime.
Hugo Lloris vs. Son Heung-min - July 2020
During a match against Everton, Spurs captain Hugo Lloris confronted Son Heung-min for failing to track back. The incident occurred as the teams left the pitch at halftime but was quickly forgotten as they continued to secure a win.
Ben White vs. Oleksandr Zinchenko - January 2024
After a hard-fought victory against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal's Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko had to be separated following a heated exchange over a late goal conceded. Manager Mikel Arteta commended their passion for demanding excellence.
Jack Robinson vs. Vinicius Souza - February 2024
In February 2024, Sheffield United team-mates Jack Robinson and Vinicius Souza were involved in a confrontation during a 1-0 loss to Wolves. The incident prompted a VAR check for a possible red card, but no action was taken. Manager Chris Wilder downplayed the event, stating such occurrences are common in football.