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Idrissa Gueye was given a warm ovation from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his extraordinary dismissal during the recent triumph at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Situation in English Football

Gueye earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. The Toffees' performance was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a away coach in multiple tries.

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

Team Reaction

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his teammates at the interval. Afterwards, with the away dressing room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to address the entire group and Keane specifically.

• Gueye apologized to Keane for striking him across the face
• The heated early altercation occurred after a poor distribution in his own penalty area
• Additionally he said sorry to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

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

Ban and National Team Duty

Everton could be without their influential player until the January. Gueye will complete a three-match suspension against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at five games.

• '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 head to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'