Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.
Unprecedented Incident in English Football
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Response
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.
- 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
- Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.
Ban and International Duty
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'