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

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'