🔗 Share this article

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

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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