Toffees Squad Members Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in English Football
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down 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.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- '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 De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'