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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display 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 away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match 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 mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'