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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement 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 likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'