Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.
Rare Incident in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve 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 take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
- The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Possible Ramifications
Gueye 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 likely to be applied in this situation.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Reaction
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' 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 head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'