Everton Squad Members Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for 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 Incident in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
- The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the squad
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international 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 can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'