Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye After Apology for Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

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

Ban and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'