Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Consequences
Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.
Suspension and International Commitments
The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'