Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye Following Apology for Michael Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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