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

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he struck Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to converse with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and the defender in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the players

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by Everton despite Moyes' statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be called up for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Opposition Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'