🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement 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 expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team 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,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'