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The Everton midfielder was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'