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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague 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' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'