🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations 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.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, 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,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'