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Idrissa Gueye received a warm ovation from his Everton teammates after issuing an apology for his shocking red card during Monday's triumph at Old Trafford.

Rare Situation in English Football

The midfielder earned the distinction of being the initial Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a teammate in nearly two decades 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 added time, to achieve David Moyes' initial victory at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an chance to converse with the manager or his teammates at half-time. Following the match, with the away dressing room buzzing after the narrow victory, the veteran asked to speak to the whole team and Keane in particular.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the face
• The intense early confrontation occurred after a poor distribution in his own defensive third
• Additionally he said sorry to the team for leaving them with a monumental task
• His apology were positively accepted by the players

Potential Ramifications

The 36-year-old may yet be disciplined by the club despite the manager's admission that he likes his team members fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard punishment process for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be implemented in Gueye's case.

Ban and International Commitments

Everton could be without their influential player until the January. The Senegalese international will serve a three-match ban against Newcastle, AFC Bournemouth and Forest but could be called up for Africa Cup of Nations duty by his national team before he becomes eligible to play against Chelsea on 13 December.

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

Opposition Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender accused United of showing no immediacy in Monday's loss, which ended their unbeaten run at five games.

• 'English football doesn't tolerate weakness,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'Against a team like Everton,' who drop back it's difficult

United travel to Crystal Palace for Sunday's lunchtime start. 'Our upcoming match is absolutely crucial,' commented the defender. 'We must recover strongly from this display.'