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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process 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 midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'