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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 the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, 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 take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'