Toffees Squad Members Applaud Idrissa Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

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 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'