Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Slap

The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak 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 travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'