Everton Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
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 Manchester United.
Rare Incident in English Football
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the squad
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON 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.'
Opposition Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- '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 becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'