🔗 Share this article

Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting 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.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'