Idrissa Gueye apologises for slapping Everton teammate Michael Keane

Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has publicly apologised to Everton teammate Michael Keane over his violent conduct during the team’s encounter against Manchester United in the English Premier League on Monday night.

Just 13 minutes into the game at Old Trafford, an altercation that ensued between the two players saw Gueye slapping Keane.

His action attracted a red card, forcing Everton to play the rest of the match with 10 men.

In a post on Instagram after the game, Gueye apologised to Michael Keane and all his Everton teammates.

“First of all, I want to apologise to my teammate, Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also want to apologise to my teammates, the staff, the supporters, and the club,” he said.

Despite being reduced to ten men so early in the game, Everton showed remarkable resilience.

Their determination paid off in the 29th minute. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall created a moment of pure brilliance, weaving through the United defence before unleashing a superb strike from the edge of the box into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Senne Lammens with no chance.

Manchester United pushed for an equaliser, with Patrick Dorgu going close in the 33rd minute after connecting with a Joshua Zirkzee cross, only to send his effort narrowly wide. Bryan Mbeumo also went down in the box in the 57th minute, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Mason Mount came close for United in the 63rd minute, firing just wide from the edge of the area, before Jordan Pickford produced a stunning save ten minutes from time. He denied Zirkzee’s powerful header, tipping the ball away as United pressed for a late leveller.

Everton held firm until the end, securing a memorable win at Old Trafford despite the early setback involving Gueye.