Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye Following Apology for 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 Old Trafford.
Rare Situation in English Football
The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were positively accepted by the players
Possible Consequences
Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and International Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'