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

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'