Everton Teammates Give Applause to Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Keane Incident

Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'