Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder 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.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission 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

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'