Toffees Squad Members Applaud Gueye After Sincere Apology for Michael Keane Slap

The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

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

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'