Everton Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men 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,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'