Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane have moved past the dramatic moment that stole the headlines at Old Trafford earlier this week.
The two Everton players were spotted joking and laughing together in training on Thursday, signaling that tensions from Monday night’s on-field clash are firmly behind them.
The Red Card Incident That Shocked Fans
The drama unfolded just 13 minutes into Everton’s 1-0 triumph over Manchester United when Gueye, 36, received a straight red card for striking his own teammate, Michael Keane.
The incident came after a frustrated confrontation over a misplaced pass, with Gueye losing his cool and connecting with a slap to Keane’s face.
Match-winner Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall later described the moment as a “moment of madness.”
Referee Tony Harrington didn’t hesitate, sending Gueye off immediately, leaving Everton to battle with 10 men for the rest of the match.
Despite the early setback, the Toffees rallied, with Dewsbury-Hall scoring in the 29th minute and the side holding firm to secure a surprising victory over the Red Devils.
Apologies and Accountability from Gueye
Gueye didn’t waste any time in taking responsibility for his actions.
Following the match, he apologised to Keane both in the dressing room and publicly via social media.
On Monday night, the Senegalese midfielder shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying:
“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.”
Laughing It Off in Training
By Thursday, the mood had lightened significantly.
Pictures from Everton’s Finch Farm showed Gueye and Keane laughing together while wearing boxing gloves, clearly making light of the incident.
The club shared the photo on social media with the caption: “All love” and a blue heart emoji, sending a clear message that the players are on good terms once more.
Moyes Reflects on the Incident
Everton manager David Moyes spoke candidly after the match about the altercation.
While he acknowledged the sending off was unfortunate, he praised the competitive spirit within the squad.
“If nothing happened, I don’t think anyone in the stadium would have been surprised,” Moyes said.
“We’ve all been footballers, and we get angry with our teammates.
He’s apologised, praised the players, and thanked them for it.
It’s all part of the game when emotions run high.”
Moyes even added that he appreciates players who show passion and stand up to each other when mistakes are made, emphasizing the value of toughness and resilience on the pitch.
Looking Ahead for the Toffees
With Gueye now serving a suspension, Everton are already turning their attention to Saturday’s home clash with Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The victory over Manchester United lifted the team to 11th in the Premier League table, giving the squad confidence as they prepare for another challenging fixture.
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