Idrissa Gueye was applauded by Everton’s players after apologising for being sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane during Monday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
The unusual red card came after a heated exchange following Gueye’s misplaced pass that led to a chance for Bruno Fernandes. Unable to speak at half-time, Gueye later addressed the squad in the dressing room, apologising directly to Keane and the team for leaving them with 10 men. His words were met with a round of applause.
Everton manager David Moyes admitted he “likes my players fighting each other” but the club is still expected to apply standard internal disciplinary measures, including a likely fine.
The 36-year-old will miss three Premier League matches due to suspension and could also be unavailable until the new year if he is called up by Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Gueye also issued a public apology on social media, taking full responsibility and promising the incident would not happen again.
