🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep 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 have to bounce back from this performance.'