Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, 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 Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting 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.
Ban and International Duty
Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'