Toffees Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel 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.'