Credit: Imago

'Ridiculous', 'Insane' - Liverpool fans want Everton star's ban extended as FA appeal submitted

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

08 Jan 2026, 1:50 pm

Liverpool supporters have been left absolutely howling following Everton's latest update emerging from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton drew 1-1 with Wolves on Wednesday, 7 January, finishing the game with nine men after Thomas Kirk issued red cards to Michael Keane and Jack Grealish.

It is a result which leaves the Toffees 12th in the Premier League table, ahead of an FA Cup clash with Sunderland, despite such an encouraging start to the 2025-26 campaign.

After Marc Cucurella's sending off during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Fulham, the Merseysiders are only second to the Blues in terms of red cards now, but that might not have been the case.

Home supporters were baffled when Keane was given his marching orders for a hair-pull on Tolo Arokadare in the 83rd minute, only after the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor.

Everton have submitted an appeal to the FA following Michael Keane's red card v Wolves.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) January 8, 2026

Liverpool fans react as Everton appeal against Michael Keane ban

Now, according to The Times' Paul Joyce (8 January), David Moyes' side have submitted an appeal to the FA against the decision, which Liverpool fans have labelled an "insane appeal".

Due to the nature of the appeal, multiple Reds supporters have urged the FA to extend Keane's punishment of three matches, with a failed appeal meaning an extra game suspended.

Insane appeal. He yanked a player down by his hair
— CoMud (@CommodoreMudkip) January 8, 2026

Frivolous appeal - extend the ban.
— Andy Sipo (@andysipz) January 8, 2026

The most ridiculous appeal you could ever imagine.
— M (@msth_19) January 8, 2026

Liverpool fans have labelled their rivals the "funniest club itw (in the world)" after attempting to appeal against "violent conduct". It is safe to say it is clear what outcome those at Anfield want.

@werdna67: "Should upgrade to 4 matches for claiming it was accidental."
@bacnlfc: "Funniest club itw."
@Nick___Collins: "He literally committed violent conduct. Hope they see it as frivolous and give him an extra game."
@BrianDurand56: "Nailed on red card. The ‘accidental’ defence is ludicrous - your hand does not accidentally close around hair."

What did David Moyes say about Jack Grealish's red card?

As already mentioned, Keane was not the only player shown a red card, with Kirk issuing two separate cautions to Grealish, resulting in a red card, with the Toffees down to nine men.

The Man City loanee was already on a yellow card when he sarcastically applauded the referee, earning himself his first red card since his Aston Villa days.

Reacting to the incident, Moyes said he was "disappointed" by the star's actions, especially when he needed all his players to keep their heads under such circumstances.

The duo will now be unavailable for the FA Cup clash against the Black Cats, with a spot in the fourth round at stake on Merseyside.

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Michael Keane