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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

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

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'