Idrissa Gueye has issued an apology to his Everton team-mates following his sending off in their 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The Toffees secured their first victory over United at Old Trafford since 2013 on Monday, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s long-range stunner proving decisive for the visitors.
David Moyes’ side were terrific throughout the contest despite having to play with 10 men for over 75 minutes after Gueye was shown a red card for striking Michael Keane early in the first half.
The incident was sparked when Gueye started berating his team-mate after he misplaced a loose pass towards Keane in the penalty area and gave the ball away.
The 36-year-old midfielder then raised his hand to Keane's face before he was sent off for violent conduct, receiving the first red card of his Premier League career.
How Michael Keane Reacted to Gueye’s Apology
Everton's Idrissa Gueye is held back by Everton's Jordan Pickford as he clashes with teammate Michael Keane
Everton's Idrissa Gueye is held back by Everton's Jordan Pickford as he clashes with teammate Michael Keane and shown a red card by referee Tony Harrington REUTERS/Phil Noble
After the full-time whistle, Gueye apologised to his team-mates in the changing room and released a statement on social media.
Speaking to the Premier League website, Everton defender James Tarkowski revealed that Gueye also talked directly with Keane, who has ‘accepted the apology’:
"I didn’t see it, I was walking away to be honest. Gana was just speaking, he spoke after the game and apologised.
“He’s a very experienced player, and very competitive, he’s accepted that he’s made a mistake tonight. Keane has accepted the apology. We’ll move on from it quickly."
Moyes did not appear too frustrated with Gueye’s sending off at Old Trafford. Asked for his verdict after the match, the Scotsman said:
"I quite like my players fighting each other or getting annoyed with each other because of a bad ball or didn't do the right action. I think that's part of it."
Gueye Set for Three-Game Suspension
Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee
Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee struggled against Everton. Credit: REUTERS/Phil Noble
Following his sending off against Man United, Gueye is set to be suspended for Everton’s next three Premier League games: Newcastle (home), Bournemouth (away) and Nottingham Forest (home).
The Senegal international has been instrumental for Moyes this campaign, starting all 12 of Everton’s Premier League games and scoring two goals.
Both Gueye and Keane were on the scoresheet when Everton secured a 2-0 win over Fulham before the international break to end the Toffees’ three-game winless run.
Moyes’ side have moved up to 11th in the Premier League table following the victory at Old Trafford on Monday.
Everton Take on Newcastle Next
David Moyes watching the warm up ahead of Sunderland 1-1 Everton.
Everton will be looking to maintain their winning run at home against Newcastle next, as well as extend their unbeaten spell against the Magpies.
The Toffees are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Eddie Howe's side, having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in their last visit to St James’ Park in May.