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The Everton midfielder received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

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

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'