David Moyes exploded in fury after Michael Keane’s late dismissal left Everton reduced to nine men in a dramatic 1-1 draw with Wolves, branding the decision “ridiculous” and laying the blame squarely at the feet of VAR.
The Moment That Changed the Match
The game’s turning point came in the 83rd minute when Keane, who had earlier opened the scoring, was shown a red card for tugging at Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare’s long hair during an aerial duel. The sending-off stunned the Goodison Park crowd and swung momentum away from Everton at a crucial stage.
Moyes Unleashes on Officials
Moyes did not hold back in his post-match verdict, calling the dismissal unjustified and questioning the logic of sending the incident to the pitchside monitor. “It is not violent, it is not forceful and it is not deliberate,” he said, insisting the action did not meet the threshold for violent conduct. He contrasted the decision with other clear-cut incidents and accused VAR of overreach, describing the whole process as “ridiculous” and “hopeless.”
Grealish’s Exit Adds to Everton’s Woes
The chaos intensified when Jack Grealish was dismissed moments later after picking up two yellow cards for dissent — the second coming after a sarcastic clap directed at referee Tom Kirk, who was officiating only his second Premier League game. Grealish’s red card compounded Everton’s problems and leaves Moyes even thinner in a squad already stretched by injuries and suspensions.
Wolves Missed a Chance to Pounce
Wolves boss Rob Edwards admitted his side failed to make the most of Everton’s self-inflicted advantage. With Everton down to nine men, Edwards expected his team to press harder but lamented a lack of ruthlessness. Despite the missed opportunity, Wolves’ recent form — five points from their last three matches after 11 straight defeats — suggests a squad slowly rediscovering belief.
Fallout and Punishment
Keane now faces a three-match ban, a blow for Moyes as Everton chase vital points in a congested table. The manager confirmed he has already addressed Grealish’s conduct with the squad, but the immediate task is damage control: steady the dressing room, regroup the team, and move on from a night dominated by controversy rather than football.
A Night Defined by Controversy
What should have been a tactical tussle turned into a debate about refereeing standards and VAR intervention. For Moyes and Everton, the result will be remembered less for the point gained and more for the sense of injustice that followed a game decided off the pitch rather than on it.
