🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. 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 specifically.

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

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'