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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite the manager's admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

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