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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an explanation for his shocking red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON 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 Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

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

United travel to Crystal Palace for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'