🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve 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 Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run 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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'