Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men 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.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.
- Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
- The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and International Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- '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.'
