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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented 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' display was heroic as they competed 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.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected 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,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, 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's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'