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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' 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

United head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'