Toffees Squad Members Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Rare Incident in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and National Team Duty
Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated 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 Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'