Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Possible Consequences
Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'