Idrissa Gueye apologised after being sent off for hitting Michael Keane, his teammate, in the opening minutes of Everton’s win over Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United.
After being sent off in the opening minutes of Manchester United vs Everton (0-1), a Premier League round twelve fixture played on Monday night, Idrissa Gueye has become the centre of one of the most unusual incidents of the season so far.
The thirty six year old Senegalese midfielder saw a straight red card after striking his own teammate, defender Michael Keane, during a heated disagreement that shocked both teams and supporters at Old Trafford. The moment occurred just thirteen minutes into the match, leaving Everton with ten men for practically the entire contest against Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United, a side that had been building momentum in recent weeks.
The clash between the two teammates appeared to stem from a miscommunication during a defensive sequence, when Keane criticised Gueye for losing his marking. Gueye reacted angrily, stepping toward the centre back and swinging his arm in frustration. The referee, who was only a few metres away, immediately intervened. After a brief discussion with his assistants, he reached for the red card, sending Gueye off to the disbelief of many on the pitch. The incident quickly went viral online, reigniting debates about player discipline, team unity and the pressures Premier League athletes face under intense scrutiny.
A few hours after the match, Gueye used his Instagram account to issue a public apology. His message was long, emotional and reflective, aimed not only at Michael Keane but also at everyone involved with Everton. In the statement, he emphasised accountability and expressed regret over a reaction that contradicted the values he believes he typically represents on and off the pitch.
I want to apologise first to my teammate Michael Keane. I take full responsibility for my reaction. I also want to apologise to my teammates, the staff, the fans and the club. What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for. Emotions can rise, but nothing justifies behaviour like this. I will make sure it never happens again.
His apology was met with mixed reactions among Everton supporters. Many praised Gueye for taking responsibility so quickly, highlighting his long service to the club and his reputation as a hardworking and respected professional. Others noted that the incident was still unacceptable, especially given the difficult position Everton currently find themselves in, fighting for consistency and stability during a highly competitive season. The expectation now is that both players will address the issue internally, with manager Sean Dyche likely to mediate the next steps to ensure dressing room harmony.
Remarkably, despite the early numerical disadvantage, Everton produced one of their most resilient performances of the season. Rather than collapsing under pressure, the Toffees closed ranks defensively, maintaining compact lines and relying on coordinated movements to frustrate Manchester United’s attempts to take control. Rúben Amorim’s side, featuring Bruno Fernandes in the starting eleven and Diogo Dalot later introduced from the bench, struggled to break down Everton’s disciplined block.
The decisive moment arrived in the twenty ninth minute, when Kiernan Dewsbury Hall found space outside the box and unleashed a precise low strike into the bottom corner, beating the United goalkeeper and giving the visitors a stunning lead. From that moment onward, the Toffees defended with determination, blocking shots, winning duels and managing transitions carefully to protect their narrow advantage.
As the match progressed, frustration grew among the United players and fans, who expected a more assertive response against a team reduced to ten men. Everton, meanwhile, displayed not only tactical organisation but also an admirable level of mental strength, refusing to allow the early red card to define their night.
At the final whistle, Everton secured an unlikely but hugely valuable victory, one that allowed them to draw level with Manchester United in the Premier League standings. The Toffees now sit in eleventh place, with eighteen points, one position behind the Red Devils, who also remain on eighteen points. The win offers a much needed boost to Everton’s campaign and serves as a reminder that collective commitment can overcome even the most dramatic setbacks.
For Gueye, the incident will likely result in internal consequences and a suspension, but his swift apology may help ease tensions and smooth the path toward reconciliation within the squad. The coming days will reveal how Everton intend to handle the matter, but for now, the club can take pride in a victory earned through character, unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
