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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including stoppage 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,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Reaction

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran asked to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

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

Suspension and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which halted their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

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

United head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'