Toffees Squad Members Give Applause to Idrissa Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

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

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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