Everton say they are surprised and disappointed after their appeal against Michael Keane’s red card was rejected by the Football Association. The club believes the three-game ban given to the defender is far too harsh.
Keane was sent off during Everton’s 1-1 draw with Wolves after VAR ruled he had pulled the hair of Tolu Arokodare. As a result, he will miss the FA Cup match against Sunderland and league games against Aston Villa and Leeds.
Manager David Moyes said he was angry with the FA panel and embarrassed by the VAR decision, arguing the incident was minor and should not have led to a red card. He compared it to other recent incidents that went unpunished and questioned the consistency of decisions.
Everton also defended Keane’s character, saying he has a strong disciplinary record and insisting the action was neither intentional nor violent. The club maintains the punishment is excessive, despite the appeal being turned down.
