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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early 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
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'