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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic 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 away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation 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 players

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

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

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'