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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in Premier League

The midfielder became the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve 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 his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

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

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their key midfielder until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

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