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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Incident in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being 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 heroic as they competed with 10 men for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in 18 attempts.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an chance to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The intense 13th-minute confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the team for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his players competing with each other. Moyes has a regular punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match suspension against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed United of lacking urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'