Toffees Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Apology for Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played 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.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the players
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Duty
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
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.'
