🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

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

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'