Toffees Teammates Applaud Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'