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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' display was heroic as they competed with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international did not get an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the 1-0 win, the veteran requested to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for striking him across the face
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Duty

Everton may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' he added. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, Mathijs de Ligt accused his team of lacking immediacy in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

The Red Devils head to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'