🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played 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.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON 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 Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'