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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton could be 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 Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

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