Everton Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage 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 his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates 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.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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