Everton Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable 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 social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the players
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Commitments
The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC 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,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted 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'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'