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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after delivering an apology for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Incident in English Football

The midfielder 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. The Toffees' performance was heroic 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 multiple tries.

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

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for slapping him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

Gueye may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton could be without their key player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

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