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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in Premier League

Gueye became the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

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

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

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