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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win 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 chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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