Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'