Everton Boss David Moyes Stands By Idrissa Gueye Amidst Furore Over Player Brawl, Suggests 'Toughness and Resilience' Are Essential for Success
Manager David Moyes has come under scrutiny after defending Idrissa Gueye's sending-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Everton midfielder was dismissed in the 13th minute of Monday's 1-0 win over the Red Devils, sparking widespread criticism on social media.
Gueye's red card came after a heated exchange with teammate Michael Keane, which culminated in the defender being slapped on the cheek. While some felt the sending-off was justified under the rules of the game, others argued that Gueye should have been given more time to calm down before being ejected from the match.
Moyes, however, insisted that he likes his players "fighting each other" and believes a certain level of toughness and resilience is necessary for success in football. He acknowledged that Gueye's actions were "unprofessional," but praised his teammates for their response to the incident.
"I'm disappointed we got the sending off, but we've all been footballers, we get angry with our teammates," Moyes said. "He's apologised for the sending off, he's praised the players and thanked them for it, and apologised."
The comments have sparked debate among pundits, with some arguing that Gueye's behavior was unacceptable. However, others have come to Moyes' defense, suggesting that a certain level of physicality is essential in football.
"Fighting is not a bad thing," said United head coach Ruben Amorim. "Fighting doesn't mean that they don't like each other. Fighting is that you lose the ball β I will fight you because we will suffer a goal."
Everton's victory over Manchester United marked their first win at Old Trafford in the Premier League since 2013, and it was a significant boost for the Toffees as they strive to avoid relegation.
Despite the controversy surrounding Gueye's sending-off, Everton remain on course for European competition, albeit on the back foot in the league standings. The team currently sits two points behind fifth-placed Crystal Palace.
Manager David Moyes has come under scrutiny after defending Idrissa Gueye's sending-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Everton midfielder was dismissed in the 13th minute of Monday's 1-0 win over the Red Devils, sparking widespread criticism on social media.
Gueye's red card came after a heated exchange with teammate Michael Keane, which culminated in the defender being slapped on the cheek. While some felt the sending-off was justified under the rules of the game, others argued that Gueye should have been given more time to calm down before being ejected from the match.
Moyes, however, insisted that he likes his players "fighting each other" and believes a certain level of toughness and resilience is necessary for success in football. He acknowledged that Gueye's actions were "unprofessional," but praised his teammates for their response to the incident.
"I'm disappointed we got the sending off, but we've all been footballers, we get angry with our teammates," Moyes said. "He's apologised for the sending off, he's praised the players and thanked them for it, and apologised."
The comments have sparked debate among pundits, with some arguing that Gueye's behavior was unacceptable. However, others have come to Moyes' defense, suggesting that a certain level of physicality is essential in football.
"Fighting is not a bad thing," said United head coach Ruben Amorim. "Fighting doesn't mean that they don't like each other. Fighting is that you lose the ball β I will fight you because we will suffer a goal."
Everton's victory over Manchester United marked their first win at Old Trafford in the Premier League since 2013, and it was a significant boost for the Toffees as they strive to avoid relegation.
Despite the controversy surrounding Gueye's sending-off, Everton remain on course for European competition, albeit on the back foot in the league standings. The team currently sits two points behind fifth-placed Crystal Palace.