Everton Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men 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,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'