🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'