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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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