Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity 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 speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
- The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were positively accepted by the squad
Potential Consequences
Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, 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 becomes challenging
The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'
