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

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a teammate in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and the defender in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which halted 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,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'