Everton star Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off in bizarre circumstances against Manchester United – and the midfielder has now spoken out about the incident.
Everton travelled to Manchester United looking for their first win at Old Trafford in almost 12 years, but they were up against it from the off when Idrissa Gueye was sent off inside 15 minutes for striking his own teammate, Michael Keane.
It mattered little. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s strike put the Toffees 1-0 up, and a valiant defensive display saw David Moyes record his first win at Old Trafford in the Premier League as an away manager.
And now Gueye has taken to social media to apologise for the sending off, despite Everton claiming a famous win to lift them above Liverpool in the table.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye getting sent off against Manchester United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Idrissa Gana Gueye’s apology to Everton after red card
Posting on his social media within half an hour of the final whistle, Gueye cut an apologetic figure for his role in a whirlwind opening spell on Monday night at Old Trafford.
The Senegalese international said via Instagram: “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 was Gueye thinking?
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“Emotions can run high, but nothing justifies such behaviour. I’ll make sure it never happens again. UTT.”
The win lifts Everton into 11th, just three points away from the Champions League spots – though Gueye will be banned for three games as a result of being sent off for violent conduct.
Idrissa Gueye’s red card is just the third of its kind in Premier League history
The incident with Gueye being sent off is only the third time a player has been given his marching orders for striking his own teammate.
The most infamous incident was Lee Bowyer and Kieran Dyer both being sent off for Newcastle vs Aston Villa in 2005 for a tussle at St. James’ Park, whilst Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller had a similar fate for acting out against Andy Griffin in 2008.
Who was your MOTM vs Man United?
It won’t matter much to David Moyes on the night, with the Scot having broken a long-standing duck in terms of his league record at the Theatre of Dreams.
Everton will now be without Gueye until mid-December, but it’s three vital points on board for the Toffees.
The likes of Jordan Pickford and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall played exceptionally well for Everton and they’ll look to continue that form in the game against Newcastle United next Saturday.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox