Toffees Teammates Give Applause to Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

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

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'