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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after delivering an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable 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 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 opportunity to converse with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the 36-year-old asked to address the whole team and Keane in particular.

• He expressed regret to Keane for slapping him across the head
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a misplaced pass 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 players

Possible Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and National Team Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. Gueye will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for AFCON responsibilities by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Rival Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' said the Netherlands international
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' who drop back it becomes challenging

United travel to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'