Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Keane Slap

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure 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 speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

  • He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
  • The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
  • Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
  • Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

  • 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
  • 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
  • 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'

Steven Mcgee
Steven Mcgee

A seasoned innovation consultant with over 15 years of experience in helping startups and enterprises drive growth through cutting-edge strategies.