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The Everton midfielder was given 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.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'