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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Dressing Room Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to the defender for slapping him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

The Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'