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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory 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 Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'