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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'