🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• '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 Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'