Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in English Football
The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the squad
Potential Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting 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 National Team Commitments
The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'