Toffees Squad Members Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Rare Situation in Premier League
Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Dressing Room Reaction
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Ramifications
Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.
Ban and National Team Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-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 showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run 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,' that defend deep 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.'