Slot Slams Liverpool Forward After Red-Card Celebration in 2–1 Win
Liverpool’s 2–1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton at Anfield should have been remembered for Federico Chiesa’s brilliance, but instead the headlines belong to controversy.
Hugo Ekitike, the Reds’ £79m summer signing, grabbed a dramatic late winner after latching onto Chiesa’s inch-perfect cross. But instead of crediting his teammate, the Frenchman tore off his shirt in wild celebration — forgetting he was already on a yellow. The referee had no choice but to send him off, leaving Liverpool to finish the game with ten men.
Manager Arne Slot didn’t hold back afterward:
“If I got an assist like that one from Federico, I’d turn around and point at him — because he made the goal. Instead, he took his shirt off and got a second yellow. I’m really angry with him. This is his punishment.”
Slot’s blunt words have split fans. Some back his demand for discipline and respect, while others argue emotion is part of football and Ekitike was simply swept up in the moment.
What few dispute, however, is that Chiesa deserved the spotlight. The Italian winger’s creativity has already made him a cult hero at Anfield, and his delivery for Ekitike was the game’s true highlight.
Now, with Ekitike suspended for the upcoming league clash, Slot must reshuffle his attack. The incident has become more than just about a celebration — it’s about teamwork, discipline, and the reminder that no player is bigger than the badge.
