Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, 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 social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team 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

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'