Hugo Ekitike Faces Fine After Red Card Despite Scoring for Liverpool
Hugo Ekitike is set to face internal punishment after his dramatic sending-off in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton on Tuesday night.
The French forward came off the bench to score what proved to be the decisive goal, but his joy quickly turned to frustration as he removed his shirt in celebration, earning a second yellow card. Having already been booked earlier for dissent, Ekitike was dismissed and will now serve a one-match suspension, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool may also dock Ekitike up to two weeks’ wages for the incident, with the club frustrated at the needless loss of a key player.
Manager Arne Slot did not hold back in his criticism afterward, describing the red card as both “stupid” and “needless.” He stressed the importance of emotional control, even in high-pressure moments:
“Of course, it’s difficult for a striker in the Premier League, but you must avoid actions that hurt the team. It was unnecessary.”
Slot reflected on his own playing days, admitting he too had been sent off in moments of frustration, but insisted that humility is the correct response to scoring a big goal:
“If I’d scored in a Champions League final, I’d have celebrated by acknowledging my teammates — not seeking personal glory.”
Liverpool now face the challenge of reshuffling their attack for the upcoming fixture, with Ekitike’s absence compounding an already testing run of injuries and suspensions.
