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

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented 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 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

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