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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being 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 remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues 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 Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting 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.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed 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 were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'