Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the players
Potential Ramifications
Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.
Ban and National Team Duty
Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'