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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an explanation for his shocking dismissal during Monday's victory at Manchester United.

Rare Situation in English Football

Gueye became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for striking a fellow player in 17 years when he slapped his defensive colleague during the fixture. Everton's performance was remarkable as they played with a man down 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.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye was unable to secure an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the entire group and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own penalty area
• He also apologized to the team for leaving them with a difficult challenge
• His apology were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Ramifications

The 36-year-old could still be punished by Everton despite Moyes' admission that he appreciates his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including financial penalties, which is expected to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Duty

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their key midfielder until the January. The Senegalese international will complete a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but might be called up for AFCON responsibilities by Senegal before he becomes eligible to play against the Blues on 13 December.

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

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no urgency in the recent defeat, which ended their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' said the Dutch defender
• 'We lacked that urgency to score goals,'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' that defend deep it becomes challenging

United head to Selhurst Park for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said the defender. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'