Everton Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Rare Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'