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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking 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 squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing 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 Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak 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'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'