🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'