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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was heroic as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, 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,' he wrote on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to converse with Moyes or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'