Hugo Ekitike has spoken out after Liverpool boss Arne Slot slammed his “stupid” and “needless” red card against Southampton.
Hugo Ekitike, 23, has continued his bright start at Liverpool, scoring the decisive goal in Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton. The French striker tapped in Federico Chiesa’s cross in the 85th minute, securing a late victory after Southampton’s Shea Charles had equalized following Alexander Isak’s opener—his first goal for Liverpool since joining from Newcastle in a £125m transfer this summer.
Ekitike now has five goals in his first eight appearances for the Reds. However, his celebration proved costly. Having already been booked for dissent shortly after halftime, he removed his shirt to mark the winner, earning a second yellow and a red card. Despite the dismissal, Liverpool held on to win, finishing the match with 10 men. The suspension, however, will apply to Liverpool’s next Premier League game at Crystal Palace rather than their next Carabao Cup tie.
Speaking after the game, manager Arne Slot expressed his frustration with Ekitike’s actions. “Needless? Yes. Stupid? Also yes. The first yellow was already unnecessary—you have to control your emotions,” Slot said. He added, “If you score a Champions League final winner in the 87th minute after beating three players and putting it in the top corner, I can maybe understand a celebration. But this wasn’t that. It’s not all about you—it’s about the team.”
Slot continued, reflecting on his own approach: “I’m old-fashioned, 47 now. I never played at this level, but I did score goals. If I’d scored like that, I’d have turned to Federico Chiesa and said, ‘This goal is about you, not me.’ Always control your emotions. If you can’t, at least do it in a way that doesn’t earn a yellow card.”
Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £78.4m move this summer, has apologized to fans following his red card against Southampton.
Posting on Instagram, the former German club striker wrote: “I was so excited tonight to help the team secure another win at our home in my first Carabao Cup match. The emotions got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans for their constant support and to my teammates for securing the victory. #Reds.”
Ekitike will miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League trip to Selhurst Park but is expected to return for Tuesday’s Champions League match in Istanbul against Galatasaray. He will also be available for the Premier League clash with Chelsea the following Saturday.
