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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'