Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.
Rare Incident in Premier League
The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed 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.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Possible Consequences
Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Perspective
Meanwhile, 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 lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'