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

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates 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 Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

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

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'