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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the initial 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 performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission 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 implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'