Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye After Apology for Keane Slap
The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance 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 18 attempts.
'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
- The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
- His apology were warmly received by the players
Potential Ramifications
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Suspension and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Opposition Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'