Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Incident in Premier League
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players
Potential Ramifications
Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Commitments
The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Reaction
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
- '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 the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
