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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

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

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'