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Idrissa Gueye received a round of applause from his fellow squad members after issuing an apology for his extraordinary red card during the recent victory at Manchester United.

Unprecedented Incident in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be sent off for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he slapped Michael Keane during the match. Everton's display was remarkable as they played with 10 men for 85 minutes, including stoppage time, to secure David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

'I want to apologise first to Michael Keane,' Gueye stated on his accounts. 'I accept complete responsibility for my actions.'

Team Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with Moyes or his teammates at half-time. Afterwards, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The heated early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• He also apologized to the squad for putting them with a monumental task
• Gueye's words were positively accepted by the squad

Possible Consequences

The 36-year-old could still be disciplined by Everton despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members competing with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for red and yellow cards, including fines, which is expected to be implemented in this situation.

Ban and National Team Commitments

The Merseyside club could be without their key midfielder until the new year. Gueye will complete a three-game ban against Newcastle, Bournemouth and Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

'Passions can sometimes overflow,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Perspective

Meanwhile, the Manchester United defender accused his team of showing no urgency in Monday's defeat, which halted their winning streak at five games.

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

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's noon kickoff. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'