🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'