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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident 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 slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display 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 multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation 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 squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

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

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'