Hugo Ekitike has responded after Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticized his “foolish” and “unnecessary” red card during the match against Southampton.
The 23-year-old striker has had an impressive start to his Liverpool career, continuing his strong form by scoring the winning goal in Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton.
Ekitike converted Federico Chiesa’s cross in the 85th minute, securing a late win for Slot’s team. This came shortly after Southampton’s Shea Charles had equalized following Alexander Isak’s opener—Isak’s first Liverpool goal since his £125 million transfer from Newcastle this summer. Ekitike now has five goals in his first eight appearances for the Reds.
However, right after scoring the winner, Ekitike foolishly took off his shirt in celebration despite already having a yellow card from an earlier dissent incident after halftime.
Referee Thomas Bramall had no option but to show Ekitike a second yellow, resulting in a red card. Slot was clearly annoyed with his striker’s actions, though Liverpool managed to hold on and finish the game with ten men.
Instead of missing Liverpool’s next Carabao Cup game, Ekitike will serve his suspension in the upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
What did Arne Slot say about Ekitike?
After the match, Slot openly expressed his frustration. “Unnecessary? Yes. And it was foolish. The first yellow was already unnecessary and somewhat stupid—you have to control your emotions,” Slot said.
He added, “I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after beating three players and firing it into the top corner, maybe I’d understand the celebration. But he said, ‘This is about me, what did I do?’”
Slot continued, “I’m old-fashioned, 47 years old. I never played at this level, but I did score goals, and if I scored like that, I’d have turned to Federico Chiesa and said, ‘This goal is about you, not me.’ It’s always best to manage your emotions. If you can’t, do it without getting booked.”
Ekitike’s response after the red card
The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who joined Liverpool for £78.4 million this summer, apologized to fans after the Anfield game.
On Instagram, he wrote: “I was very excited to help the team get another win in my first Carabao Cup game at home. The emotion got the better of me tonight. Sorry to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans for the support and to my teammates for the win. #Reds.”
Ekitike will miss Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park this weekend but will be available for the Champions League match against Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Liverpool then face Chelsea in the Premier League the following Saturday, with Ekitike returning from his suspension.
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