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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'