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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during Monday's victory at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in 17 years when he struck his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's display was remarkable as they competed with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

'My first apology goes to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I take full responsibility for my reaction.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with Moyes or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and the defender specifically.

• He expressed regret to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye could still be punished by Everton despite the manager's statement that he likes his team members competing with each other. The Scot has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Suspension and International Duty

The Merseyside club could be without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he can return to play against Chelsea on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'However, there's no excuse for such conduct.'

Opposition Perspective

At the same time, Mathijs de Ligt claimed his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

The Red Devils head to Crystal Palace for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'