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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he appreciates his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their influential player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle, 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 the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'