Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Apology for Keane Incident
The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'
Team Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
- The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in the recent 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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging
The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'