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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Following the match, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the whole team and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential midfielder until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• '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

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend noon kickoff. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'