The intensity of competitive sports can sometimes lead to friction, even between teammates. A recent incident involving Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye and defender Michael Keane, where Gueye appeared to slap Keane during a Premier League game against Manchester United, serves as a reminder that emotions can run high on the pitch. Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute after the incident.
While the specific cause of the disagreement between Gueye and Keane remains somewhat unclear, such on-field clashes, born from the heat of the moment, aren't entirely uncommon. Throughout the history of sports, there have been several instances where teammates have had disagreements that have boiled over into public displays of conflict.
In 2007, Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and catcher Michael Barrett engaged in a dugout scuffle after a poor inning. Words escalated to punches, resulting in Barrett needing stitches. This event underscored the tensions within a struggling team.
Another instance occurred in 2008 during a Carolina Panthers training camp when wide receiver Steve Smith punched cornerback Ken Lucas, fracturing his nose. Smith faced suspension as a result, though the two players later reconciled. This highlighted the intense physical and emotional nature of American football.
Even the most successful teams aren't immune. During a UEFA Champions League semi-final, Bayern Munich teammates Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben reportedly argued over who should take a free kick. The disagreement continued into the locker room, where Ribéry allegedly punched Robben.
In 2017, during a Barcelona training session in Miami, Neymar and Nelson Semedo had a confrontation after a contentious challenge. Neymar reportedly squared up to Semedo before leaving the pitch and removing his bib. This happened weeks before Neymar's record-breaking move to PSG, fueling speculation that there were internal tensions within the Barcelona squad.
More recently, in a Bundesliga match in 2025, Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface and Emiliano Buendía had a heated exchange due to a miscommunication during an attacking play. Other teammates had to step in to prevent further escalation.
These incidents, including the one between Gueye and Keane, underscore the immense pressure and high stakes involved in professional sports. While teammates are expected to work together seamlessly, the reality is that disagreements and frustrations can surface, sometimes leading to public clashes. While these moments can be shocking and disruptive, many teams find ways to move past them, often with public apologies and reconciliations.
