David Moyes reveals real reason why Jack Grealish was dropped for the tie against Newcastle in the EFL cup in astonished post match interview

David Moyes reveals real reason why Jack Grealish was dropped for the tie against Newcastle in the EFL cup in astonished post match interview

Everton manager David Moyes addressed the absence of Jack Grealish in a measured post-match interview after his side’s impressive 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) fourth round. The on-loan Manchester City winger was left out of the matchday squad entirely at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the club confirming it stemmed from a breach of club discipline.

Reports indicate Grealish failed to attend a scheduled training session earlier in the week. He had already missed Everton’s Premier League defeat at Arsenal the previous Saturday through illness, but the subsequent unauthorized absence from training at Finch Farm prompted firm action. Moyes, known as a strict disciplinarian, fully supported the decision taken in conjunction with club officials, including chief executive Angus Kinnear.

In his post-match comments, Moyes remained tight-lipped on the precise details. “It was a club decision. I support the decision. It’s something I don’t really want to speak too much about,” he said. Pressed further on whether he felt let down by the player he has previously championed, the Scot added only that it was not a topic he wished to discuss at length.

Instead, Moyes shifted focus to the collective strength of his squad. He praised Everton’s culture and standards, stating: “I think the one thing about Everton and what they’ve got is they’ve got really good values behind it. All the players stand up to the values, accept the values that we put out there, what we want from them on the pitch and off the pitch.” He highlighted how the team refused to let the controversy become a distraction, delivering a professional performance with goals from James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry. Dan Burn scored a late consolation for Newcastle.

Grealish, 31, is in his second loan spell at Everton after falling out of favour at Manchester City amid previous off-field scrutiny. The England international faces a likely fine and uncertainty over his immediate future in the squad, including the upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle. Moyes declined to offer any team news on that front.

The episode underscores Moyes’ emphasis on discipline and shared values at a club rebuilding its identity. While the manager stopped short of a dramatic full revelation, his clear endorsement of the “club decision” and pointed remarks on standards left little doubt about the seriousness of the breach that kept Grealish out of a key cup tie Everton ultimately dominated.

Everton now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face League Two side Fleetwood Town, while the Grealish situation remains an internal matter the club continues to handle firmly.