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

Unprecedented Incident 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 struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure 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 take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up 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.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run 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 the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'