Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the squad
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'