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

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender 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 Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'