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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, 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 accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

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.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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