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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in Premier League

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 struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal 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.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

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

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'