Toffees Squad Members Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team 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 Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'