Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Reaction
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes 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 Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'