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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

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