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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation 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 warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'