Everton Squad Members Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed 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 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 did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'