🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'