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The Everton midfielder was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage 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 his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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