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The Everton midfielder received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory 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 Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

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

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected 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. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• '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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'