Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Rare Incident in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international 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 veteran asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Ban and National Team Commitments
Everton could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'