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

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance 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 multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international 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 asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak 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'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'