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

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak 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

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'