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

Unprecedented Situation in Premier League

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was heroic as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

The Senegalese international was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room buzzing after the 1-0 win, the 36-year-old asked to speak to the entire group and the defender 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 penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were warmly received by the squad

Potential Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be punished by the club despite Moyes' statement that he likes his players fighting with each other. The Scot has a regular punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton may find themselves without their key player until the January. Gueye will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle United, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but could be selected for AFCON duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

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

Opposition Reaction

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no immediacy in the recent loss, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

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

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'