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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'