Everton Teammates Give Applause to Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Commitments
Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'