Everton Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Rare Incident in English Football
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the squad
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Reaction
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United head 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.'
