Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.
Rare Situation in Premier League
The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve 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 Reaction
Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
- The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
- Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players
Potential Consequences
The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.
Ban and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Rival Perspective
Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult
The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
