Everton Squad Members Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Incident in English Football
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were positively accepted by the squad
Potential Ramifications
Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'