The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.
Rare Situation in English Football
Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'
Team Reaction
The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.
- Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
- The intense early 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
Possible Consequences
The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.
Suspension and International Duty
Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.
'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'
Rival Perspective
At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.
- 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
- 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
- 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult
United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'
