Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Keane Slap
Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Possible Ramifications
Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'