Stephen Warnock reacts to Michael Keane controversy in Everton vs Wolves: ‘It’s a poor decision…’
Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by a struggling Wolves side at home on Wednesday night.
Michael Keane put the Toffees ahead in the 17th minute, before Mateus Mane earned a point for his side with his second-half strike.
Everton fans were critical after their defeat to Brentford last weekend, and it was yet more frustration for David Moyes’ men in midweek, as they eventually ended the game with just nine men on the pitch.
Keane was shown a straight red card in the 83rd minute, before Jack Grealish was given his marching orders in stoppage time, after being shown a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding referee Thomas Kirk.
Stephen Warnock slams Michael Keane for Everton red card
Football Insider revealed back in July that Everton were in talks with Keane over a new contract, and he has been one of their standout performers since penning that deal.
The centre-back has started in 19 of the Merseysiders’ 21 games in the Premier League so far this term, as he has provided valuable cover for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite.
However, the 32-year-old will now be set to miss the next few games after his dismissal in the latter stages of Wednesday’s draw with Wolves.
Keane was shown a straight red card by Kirk after pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare during an injury challenge, with the official consulting the pitch-side monitor before brandishing the card.
The incident was analysed by the Match of the Day team on Wednesday night, and Stephen Warnock felt that the defender only had himself to blame.
“Keane has arguably been one of Everton’s best players this season, but I don’t think he can have any complaints,” the former Liverpool left-back said.
“Keane on Arokodare doesn’t look like too much, but when we see it again from the reverse angle, you can see the pull on the hair. It is violent conduct; it’s a poor decision from Keane.
“He was gobsmacked by it, he was saying it’s just one of those where you jump for the ball, but it wasn’t.”
When is Jarrad Branthwaite due to return?
Branthwaite is a key player for Everton, and his sustained injury issues have provided a major setback to the first half of their campaign.
However, Moyes and Co. seemingly now have light at the end of the tunnel as far as his recovery process is concerned.
The 23-year-old still hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football since the start of the season, but Moyes suggested over the festive period that Branthwaite is back on the grass and nearing a return.
He could potentially return to the fold for the trip to face Aston Villa on 18 January, according to Premier Injuries, which would certainly be a timely return for Everton given Keane’s suspension.
Ideally, Moyes would want to ease Branthwaite back into action, but that may not be possible unless further reinforcements can be sourced in the transfer market.