Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Rare Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
- The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
