Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Reaction
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'