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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates 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 applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'