LIVERPOOL, UK – Everton manager David Moyes has publicly detailed the severe dressing-down given to winger Jack Grealish following his controversial red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The incident, which saw Grealish sent off for sarcastically applauding referee Thomas Kirk, has put a spotlight not only on the player's discipline but also on his recent dip in form as the Toffees look to stabilize their season.
Grealish, currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, will be available for selection against his former club, Aston Villa, this Sunday after serving a one-match suspension. However, the emotional toll of the incident—and the subsequent reaction from the manager and teammates—was clearly significant.
Discipline Under Fire After Wolves Dismissal
The crucial moment occurred during Everton’s 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on January 7th. Grealish received a first yellow card for dissent, followed quickly by a second caution—and thus his first-ever Premier League red card—for the seemingly innocuous, yet highly provocative, act of mock applause directed at the match official.
Speaking to the press ahead of the crucial Villa fixture, Moyes did not mince words regarding the winger’s lapse in judgment. “He shouldn’t need to learn now, he is an experienced player and should know there are levels you can go and levels you cannot go to,” Moyes stated. The manager confirmed that he addressed the issue directly and forcefully with the 30-year-old.
“I didn’t look for an apology. I just told him what I thought of him and that was it really,” Moyes explained. “I didn’t expect it [an apology]. Probably the words I said to him were strong enough that he didn’t need [to say] anything.”
The Team’s Reaction
Crucially, the condemnation was not limited to the management. Moyes revealed that the players themselves held Grealish accountable in the dressing room post-match, emphasizing the collective frustration caused by his sending-off.
“He certainly let us all down with his sending-off. We told him that after the game. And he was well told by the players inside the dressing room as well,” Moyes confirmed. While acknowledging that such dismissals can happen, Moyes labeled the decision to applaud the referee as “stupid,” though he conceded that officiating standards sometimes leave players frustrated.
Form Slump and England Hopes
Beyond the disciplinary breach, Grealish's overall performance level has been under recent scrutiny. His move to Everton was initially met with massive fanfare, providing a much-needed spark to the fanbase. Grealish made an immediate impact, registering four assists in his first two starts in August.
However, a significant dry spell followed, with the player waiting 127 days to register his next two goal involvements (assists or goals) during a heavy 4-2 defeat to Brentford on January 4th. With Grealish’s international career seemingly stalled, this dip in form does little to aid his prospects for the upcoming World Cup squad.
Hoping for a Return to Influence
Moyes remains committed to utilizing Grealish's undeniable talent, noting that when on form, the winger is integral to their attacking structure. “We brought him [in] to be an influential player and, in the main, he has been an influential player for us,” Moyes commented, highlighting his ability to create opportunities and excite the supporters.
The manager acknowledged the recent struggles: “But his form had definitely dropped, he had a month or so when his form had dropped off and he hadn’t been as good.”
The hope now is that the suspension, combined with the harsh words exchanged, serves as a necessary reset. “I think there have been some signs that he is maybe getting back to things being a little bit better,” Moyes concluded optimistically. “I am hoping that we see that in the coming weeks.”
Everton faces a tough test against Aston Villa on Sunday, kick-off 4:30 pm (Sky Sports coverage). For Grealish, it presents the perfect stage to prove that his focus is back on the pitch, not the referee’s notebook, and that he can deliver the influence Everton desperately needs.
