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

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage 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,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'