Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Gueye Following Apology for Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Incident in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
- The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the squad
Potential Consequences
Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'