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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

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

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'