Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Keane Incident

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'