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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'