🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'