🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'