From Idrissa Gueye to Bowyer-Dyer: Footballers who lost their cool at their own teammates
Although rare, this wasn’t the first time footballers have lost their temper with teammates on the pitch. Over the years, a few such moments have left fans stunned and managers fuming.
Rahul Giri
November 25, 2025 / 18:16 IST
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The English Premier League witnessed one of its most bizarre moments this weekend when Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off for slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane, barely 13 minutes into the match against Manchester United. The red card overshadowed Everton’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford — their first league victory at the ground since 2013 — and quickly dominated headlines across the world. (Photo: X)
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What made the situation even more surreal was how quickly it escalated. A sloppy pass from Gueye handed Bruno Fernandes a golden chance to put United ahead, but the Portuguese midfielder dragged his shot wide. Keane confronted Gueye over the error, and after a brief exchange, Gueye responded with a slap to Keane’s face. Referee Tony Harrington had no hesitation in reaching for the red card, making Gueye the first Premier League player in 17 years to be dismissed for violent conduct against his own teammate. (Photo: X)
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While Gary Neville felt the incident could have been managed with a yellow, the Laws of the Game clearly state that striking any person on the field — opponent or teammate — warrants a dismissal. The red card could have derailed Everton’s plans, but Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s composed finish gave the Toffees a lead they protected until the end. Although rare, this wasn’t the first time footballers have lost their temper with teammates on the pitch. Over the years, a few such moments have left fans stunned and managers fuming. (Photo: X)
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The Bowyer–Dyer Explosion (Newcastle United, 2005) - Perhaps the most notorious case in Premier League history involved Newcastle duo Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer. Trailing Aston Villa, frustration spiralled into punches as the two teammates began throwing blows at each other in full view of the St James’ Park crowd. Both were shown straight reds. Dyer later revealed the fight started because Bowyer felt he wasn’t passing the ball to him. The scenes remain one of the league’s most unforgettable meltdowns. (Photo: X)
Stephane Bahoken’s Sudden Flashpoint (Kayserispor) - In the Turkish Super Lig, Kayserispor’s Stephane Bahoken was dismissed in just the 23rd minute after pushing and then slapping his teammate Miguel Cardoso. The altercation stemmed from Cardoso giving away a needless free kick, triggering Bahoken’s angry reaction. Referees in Turkey have seen their share of fiery clashes, but a red card for striking your own colleague remains a rare sight. (Photo: X)
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David Batty vs Graeme Le Saux (Blackburn Rovers, 1995) - In the Champions League group stage against Spartak Moscow, Blackburn’s David Batty and Graeme Le Saux stunned viewers when they erupted into a physical fight just minutes into the game. Le Saux ended up breaking his hand after punching Batty. Strangely, no bookings were issued — a decision that would be unthinkable under today’s rules. The incident is still referenced whenever tempers flare within a team. (Photo: X)
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Bruce Grobbelaar and Steve McManaman (Liverpool, 1993) - Liverpool’s Merseyside derby had its own remarkable moment when goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar grabbed and shoved teammate Steve McManaman after a misunderstood clearance. The confrontation stopped short of a strike, and the referee opted not to intervene. Even without cards, the scene became a defining snapshot of internal tensions during a turbulent period for the club. (Photo: X)
Rahul Giri Chief Football Correspondent, RevSportz
