🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory 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 Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton 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 Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• '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 becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'