Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win 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.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
- The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.
Suspension and International Commitments
Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking 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 lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'