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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'