The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.
Unprecedented Situation in English Football
Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.
'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Dressing Room Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.
- He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
- The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
- He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
- Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players
Potential Consequences
Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.
Ban and National Team Duty
The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'
Opposition Reaction
At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging
United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
