Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Reaction
Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'