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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's 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 nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game 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 the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

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

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'