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

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping 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 Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'