🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added 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,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team 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 claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

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