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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might 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,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run 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,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'