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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate 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 added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused United of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'