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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal 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 sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations 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.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent 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'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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