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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, 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,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United 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 were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'