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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 Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension 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 United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' 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

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'