🔗 Share this article

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed 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 multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation 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 squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel 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.'