Everton star 'with highest ethical standards' ruled out of Aston Villa and Leeds United as statement released
Everton confirm outcome of Michael Keane appeal after red card against Wolves.
Everton have been unsuccessful in their appeal over Michael Keane’s red card.
The Toffees defender was sent off in last Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Wolves. Keane was controversially given his marching orders following a VAR review for being adjudged to pull the hair of Tolu Arokodare. It was deemed as violent conduct, which means the centre-back must serve a three-game ban.
As a result, Keane will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Sunderland, as well as Premier League games against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
An Everton statement said: “Everton Football Club is disappointed to report that an appeal against Michael Keane’s dismissal in Wednesday’s Premier League fixture with Wolves has been rejected by an FA panel.
“Whilst the majority ruling of the three-person panel to uphold the dismissal and three-game suspension is a decision we must accept, we are nevertheless surprised. We appealed in the firm belief the incident did not meet the threshold for violent conduct as defined in the rules, and that the action was neither forceful nor intentional.
“Our appeal was also lodged in support of Michael Keane, a player who plays the game with the highest ethical standards and who, prior to Wednesday, had never been dismissed for violent conduct in his career. It is our firm belief that the severity of the three-game suspension is clearly excessive, and we are surprised and disappointed that this point of appeal has also been rejected.
“Michael’s suspension begins immediately, and he will now not be available for our forthcoming fixtures against Sunderland, Aston Villa and Leeds United.”