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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down 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.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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