Everton Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.
Rare Situation in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Reaction
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' 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
United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'