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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

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

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'