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Idrissa Gueye was given a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's triumph at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for 85 minutes, including added time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in 18 attempts.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' he wrote on social media. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an chance to speak with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his players competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and National Team Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

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

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of lacking urgency in the recent loss, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team 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 De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'