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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck his defensive colleague during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Team Response

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

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

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender claimed United of showing no urgency in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'