Hero to Villain: Hugo Ekitike’s Shirt-Off Celebration Costs Him Palace Clash
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike experienced both ecstasy and agony in the space of minutes during Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Southampton at Anfield.
The £79m summer signing came off the bench to fire home a dramatic late winner, sealing a 2–1 victory after Alexander Isak’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Shea Charles. But in the heat of the moment, Ekitike ripped off his shirt in celebration — forgetting he was already on a booking. Referee Thomas Bramall immediately brandished a second yellow, followed by a red, turning the match-winner into an unlikely villain.
Confusion initially surrounded whether his suspension would apply to the League Cup or the Premier League. ITV commentators suggested he would miss the next round of the cup, but FA rules clarify that red-card bans are served in the next competitive fixture, regardless of competition. That means Ekitike will sit out Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace this weekend, handing the Eagles a potential boost.
Ekitike’s dismissal opens the door for Isak, who opened his Liverpool account with a tidy header before being subbed. The Swede is now expected to lead the line at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has been in promising form, scoring five goals in his first eight appearances for the Reds, three of them in the league. He will return for next week’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray and the Premier League meeting with Chelsea.
Liverpool remain unbeaten this season under Arne Slot, with only the Community Shield against Palace blotting an otherwise perfect record. Tuesday’s victory keeps hopes of a quadruple alive, though Ekitike’s rush of blood serves as a reminder that discipline will be vital if those ambitions are to last into spring.
