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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

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

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'