Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Gueye Following Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'