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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'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 was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'