Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win 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 Response
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Potential Ramifications
Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
