🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic 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 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• '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 Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'