🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'