Ipswich Town boss Gary O’Neil backs Fatawu Issahaku despite red card against Everton

Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil has jumped to the defense of Ghana international Abdul Fatawu Issahaku following his red card against Everton in the English Premier League.

The pacey Black Stars attacker was given his marching orders in the week five encounter after receiving two yellow cards in the much-anticipated clash, held at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Issahaku received his first booking before the halftime break. After the recess, the former Leicester City star went into the referee’s books again, which led to his sending-off in the match.

Before receiving the red card, Ipswich Town had conceded a goal which ultimately led to their defeat. Everton wasted no time in opening the scoring, with Thierno Barry breaking the deadlock after just eleven minutes into the match.

With no additional goals, the Toffees cruised to victory to secure maximum points on home turf.

“I’ve spoken to him, he’s a young lad, and you can see he is anticipating some contact. I’ve seen them given and I’ve seen them not given.”

“He understands the importance of him being on the pitch and us keeping 11 on the pitch, but he has been a great addition” O’Neil told Premier League Productions.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian winger joined Ipswich Town in July 2026 on a five-year deal. Since joining the club, Issahaku has featured in all five opening games for Ipswich Town in the Premier League, providing an assist in the process.

Issahaku has been named in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and is expected to join camp early next week.

Ghana will take on Ivory Coast in a high-stakes clash away from home on September 24 before taking on The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. The Black Stars will wrap up this international break with a friendly against Morocco.