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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he apologized to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing 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 Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'