Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down 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,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Response
Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
- The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
- He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad
Potential Ramifications
Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and International Commitments
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'