Hero to Red Card Villain: Ekitike’s Wild Celebration Stuns Anfield
Anfield was bouncing when Hugo Ekitike fired home a late winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Moments later, the jubilation turned to disbelief.
Overcome by emotion, the £79m striker ripped off his shirt in front of the Kop — forgetting he was already on a yellow. Referee Thomas Bramall had no choice: second booking, red card. The roar inside the stadium quickly gave way to stunned laughter and groans.
Liverpool still held on for a 2–1 win, with Alexander Isak also on the scoresheet, but the fallout was immediate. Ekitike will now miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, handing Arne Slot an unwanted selection headache.
Slot admitted the moment was “understandable but costly,” while Isak defended his teammate: “It’s emotion, it happens. He’ll learn.”
Ekitike’s start has been prolific — five goals in eight games — but this chaotic night has highlighted a different side: passion tipping into recklessness. For Liverpool, the victory remains sweet, but the story belongs to the striker who went from match-winner to red card in seconds.
