Everton Teammates Applaud Gueye Following Apology for Keane Incident

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'