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

The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• 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
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations 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 Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

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