Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation 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 slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Duty
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'