Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in English Football
Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. 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 Keane for slapping him across the face
- The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, 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'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'