Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Slap

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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with a man down 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.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

  • Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
  • The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
  • He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
  • Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates 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 could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

  • 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
  • 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
  • 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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

Noah Hicks
Noah Hicks

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring emerging technologies and sharing practical advice for digital growth.