Everton’s players have reportedly closed ranks around veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye following an on-field incident that saw him sent off during the club’s dramatic 1-0 victory at Manchester United.
The match was overshadowed by a moment of controversy in the first half when Gueye was shown a straight red card for striking teammate Michael Keane. The altercation occurred after a misplaced pass from Gueye gifted possession to the opposition in a dangerous area. Despite being reduced to ten men for the vast majority of the contest, Everton produced a resilient defensive performance to secure a rare away win at Old Trafford.
In the aftermath of the victory, it is understood that Gueye addressed the entire squad in the dressing room. He offered a personal apology to Keane for his actions and expressed regret to his teammates for forcing them to play a man down in such a challenging environment. His contrition was met with a supportive response from the group, who applauded his statement.
While the manager has publicly suggested he doesn’t mind a competitive edge among his players, the club is expected to follow its standard internal disciplinary procedures regarding the red card, which may include a fine for the Senegalese international.
Gueye now faces an automatic three-match domestic suspension. His availability beyond that period is uncertain, as he is a candidate for selection by Senegal for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Should he receive a call-up, he could be required to join his national team before his club ban concludes.
The midfielder also took to social media to issue a public apology, stating the incident did not reflect his character and vowing it would not be repeated.
Meanwhile, the fallout from the match continued for the defeated home side. Manchester United defender Mathijs de Ligt offered a blunt assessment of his team’s performance, criticizing a lack of cutting edge and urgency in the final third. He emphasized the need for the squad to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture, acknowledging the performance was below their recent standards.