🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory 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 Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology 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 appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, 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,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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