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

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'