Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
- The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- His apology were positively accepted by the squad
Potential Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and International Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- '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's difficult
United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'