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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle, 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.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• '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 lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'