🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'