Idrissa Gueye posts message to Everton teammates after hitting Michael Keane
Idrissa Gana Gueye has issued a public apology following his sending off in Everton’s win over Manchester United on Monday (24 November) evening.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the contest, curling a right-footed strike into the top corner just before the half-hour mark.
Despite playing against 10 men for over 80 minutes, Man United failed to break through the Everton defence.
Ruben Amorim’s side lacked purpose going forward throughout, and have now gone three games without a win, slipping down the 10th in the Premier League.
Idrissa Gana Gueye apologises for shocking moment
In the 13th minute at Old Trafford, Gueye came to blows with Everton teammate Michael Keane in a shocking incident that saw the veteran midfielder dismissed.
The Senegalese international took issue with Keane after a miscommunication between the pair resulted in an early chance for Man United’s Bryan Mbeumo.
Angry words were exchanged before Gueye slapped his teammate in the face, with Tony Harrington immediately brandishing a red card.
After the game, the 36-year-old took to social media to apologise to Keane, as well as the Everton fans.
On his Instagram story, Gueye said: “I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club.
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can run high but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again. UTT.”
Idrissa Gana Gueye set for lengthy spell on sidelines
With the incident being deemed an act of violent conduct by referee Harrington, Gueye will be suspended for the next three Everton games.
It means he will miss fixtures against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, before returning as David Moyes’ side face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 13 December.
However, Gueye will then join up with Senegal for the African Cup of Nations, meaning he could be away for another month after his one game back.
Dependent on how Senegal progress through the competition, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder may be unavailable until 18 January.
If that is the case, combined with his red card suspension, Gueye will miss 10 out of Everton’s next 11 games.