Everton Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Rare Incident in Premier League
The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Possible Consequences
Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Ban and National Team Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'