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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure 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 social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'