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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage 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,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of showing no urgency in Monday's 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'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'