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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including added time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-game ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted 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,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'