Everton Teammates Give Applause to Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute 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 warmly received by the squad
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.
- '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 head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'
