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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down 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 take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

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

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'