🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players 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 Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• '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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'