🔗 Share this article

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

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• '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

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'