Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has apologized on Instagram after receiving a red card for attacking teammate Michael Keane during Monday’s win over Old Trafford. Just 10 minutes into the Toffees’ visit to Manchester United, the sides clashed after Bruno Fernandes pushed Jordan Pickford’s goal home.
Television footage captured the unusual incident in which Gueye raised his hand and made contact with Keane’s face, resulting in the midfielder receiving his marching orders. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Everton managed to advance. After the final whistle, Gay acknowledged his actions and paid tribute to his colleagues, saying: “First of all, I would like to apologize to my team-mate Michael Keane.
“I take full responsibility for my reaction and apologize to my teammates, staff, fans and club.”
“What happened is not a reflection of me or the values I stand for. Emotions are high, but nothing justifies such actions. I will ensure that something like this never happens again.”
Gay coach David Moyes spoke about the incident and admitted he was grateful to see his team show passion.
“I don’t think anyone in the stadium would have been surprised if nothing had happened,” he told Sky Sports.
“I thought the referee could have taken a little more time to think about it. I heard that the rules of the game say that if you slap your own player, you can get into trouble.
“But there’s another side to this as well. We like to see players fight each other if someone doesn’t do the right thing. If you want to get results with that toughness and resilience, you want someone to act on it.”
“It’s disappointing to get sent off, but I’m angry at my teammates because we were all football players.
“He apologized for the sending off, praised the players, thanked them and apologized for what happened.”
