Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Ramifications
Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's 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'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils head 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.'
