🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach 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 did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'