Hugo Ekitike has issued an apology to Liverpool supporters after his dramatic winner against Southampton in the League Cup was overshadowed by a needless red card for celebrating without his shirt, a decision his manager Arne Slot bluntly described as “stupid.”
The 23-year-old French striker struck in the 85th minute, sliding home Federico Chiesa’s pass to seal a 2-1 win in Tuesday’s third-round tie at Anfield. It was his first League Cup appearance for the club since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in July for £69 million.
Ekitike, however, marred the moment by removing his shirt and holding it aloft in front of the cameras, earning a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal. He had already been booked for petulantly punching the ball away earlier in the game.
The dismissal means Liverpool will be without him for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, a blow as the forward has started strongly with three goals in five league appearances.
Taking to Instagram after the match, a contrite Ekitike wrote, “I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family.”
Slot, however, made clear his disapproval, branding the forward’s conduct “needless” and reminding him of the importance of team play. “If you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner, I can maybe understand,” he said. “But this goal was about Chiesa’s brilliance. If I were him, I’d have gone straight to Federico and said, ‘This goal is about you, not me’.”
Ekitike, who replaced Alexander Isak at half-time after the Swede opened his Liverpool account, now faces the frustration of watching from the sidelines as his £125-million teammate pushes for a regular starting role.
What you should know
Hugo Ekitike’s late winner against Southampton secured Liverpool’s place in the League Cup fourth round, but his unnecessary red card drew criticism from manager Arne Slot and frustration from fans.
With Isak finding form, Ekitike’s suspension could hinder his fight for a consistent starting spot in Liverpool’s attack.
