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

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men 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,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving 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 Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'