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

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• '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 becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'