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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented 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 struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach 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 was unable to secure an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also said sorry to the team for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Possible Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible 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 lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'