🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'