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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.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's performance 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 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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