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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

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. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group 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 apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'