Everton Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'