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

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage 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,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also 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 disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'