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

Rare Situation in Premier League

The midfielder became the first Premier League player to be dismissed for hitting a fellow player in nearly two decades when he struck Michael Keane during the fixture. The Toffees' display was remarkable as they played with a man down for the majority of the game, including added time, to achieve David Moyes' first win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager in multiple tries.

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

Dressing Room Response

Gueye did not get an opportunity to speak with the manager or his colleagues at the interval. Afterwards, with the visitors' locker room celebrating after the narrow victory, the veteran requested to address the whole team and the defender specifically.

• Gueye apologized to the defender for striking him across the head
• The heated 13th-minute altercation occurred after a misplaced pass in his own defensive third
• Additionally he apologized to the squad for putting them with a difficult challenge
• Gueye's words were warmly received by the players

Potential Ramifications

Gueye may yet be disciplined by the club despite Moyes' admission that he likes his players fighting with each other. Moyes has a standard disciplinary procedure for dismissals and cautions, including financial penalties, which is likely to be applied in this situation.

Ban and International Commitments

The Merseyside club may find themselves without their influential player until the new year. The Senegalese international will serve a three-game suspension against Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest but might be selected for Africa Cup of Nations responsibilities by Senegal before he can return to play against the Blues on mid-December.

'Emotions can run high,' Gueye continued. 'But nothing justifies such behaviour.'

Rival Reaction

At the same time, the Manchester United defender claimed his team of showing no immediacy in the recent defeat, which halted their winning streak at multiple matches.

• 'The Premier League is not for the weak,' stated the Netherlands international
• 'We were missing the necessary intensity to find the net'
• 'When facing sides like Everton,' that defend deep it's difficult

United travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend lunchtime start. 'The next game is really important now,' said De Ligt. 'We have to bounce back from this performance.'