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

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane 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 leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

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

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'