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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'