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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

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

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players 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

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• '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 becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'