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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'