Michael Keane and Jack Grealish both received red cards during Everton’s dramatic Premier League draw against Wolves. The Toffees defender was originally cautioned for a challenge on Tolu Arokodare, however a VAR check ruled his foul constituted violent conduct after he was caught tugging the Wolves forward’s hair while contesting a header.
David Moyes also found himself in the referee’s book for straying from his technical area. Meanwhile, Grealish was soon brandished a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding the official after earning a free kick. Regarding Keane’s dismissal, the Premier League Match Centre posted on X: “#EVEWOL – 80′ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no foul by Keane and issued a red card for violent conduct.
“Referee announcement: “After review, Everton 5 commits an act of violent conduct on the Wolves 14. My final decision will be red card and a direct free kick to Wolves.”
Keane had previously fired Everton ahead, but the league’s basement dwellers responded in the second period through Mateus Mane, who found the net just days after bagging his maiden goal against West Ham United.
Given the violent conduct classification, Keane faces a three-match suspension whilst Grealish will sit out one fixture.
Everton will tackle Sunderland without both players, while Keane remains unavailable for clashes against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
The Toffees are already depleted through injuries and AFCON commitments, leaving Moyes far from impressed with his players’ inexplicable actions. Idrissa Gueye, who is amongst those currently in Morocco, was dismissed earlier this campaign for striking Keane, yet Everton still triumphed over United at Old Trafford that evening with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall finding the net.
The latter hasn’t featured for Everton in their previous five matches due to a hamstring problem picked up during the 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Moyes has kept his cards close to his chest regarding when the attacking midfielder might make his comeback.
He commented: “Kiernan is doing well, but not available for the game. He’ll be a big miss for us, but that’s what happens this time of year. Every club has injuries or suspensions.”
When pressed about a potential timeframe for Dewsbury-Hall’s return, Moyes responded: “We have one, but I’m not telling you.”