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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'