Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Apology for Michael Keane Incident

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission 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 implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

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

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'