🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'