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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 Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win 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 Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'