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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he 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 Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could 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,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted 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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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