Everton Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
- The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
