Liverpool’s Ekitiké sees red after dramatic goal in Carabao Cup clash
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup meeting with Southampton delivered high drama as Hugo Ekitiké turned from hero to villain in the space of seconds. The French striker came off the bench to score what appeared to be the decisive 85th-minute goal, only to be sent off immediately after removing his shirt in celebration — his second yellow card of the night.
Manager Arne Slot cut a furious figure on the touchline, lamenting how an avoidable lapse of judgment had turned a match-winning contribution into a setback. “It was unnecessary and disappointing,” he said post-match, highlighting his frustration at Ekitiké’s lack of composure. The dismissal now rules the forward out of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture, adding further strain to a squad already dealing with injuries and recent absences.
Reactions quickly split across social media and pundit circles. Some sympathized with Ekitiké, framing his actions as the raw release of emotion in a pressure-filled moment. Others, however, criticized him for what they saw as a needless, selfish mistake that left his teammates to pay the price.
