Liverpool player expected to be hit with £400k fine over act of ‘sheer stupidity’

Hugo Ekitike Facing Fine After Strange Red Card in Carabao Cup

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is set to face financial consequences following his unusual sending-off during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton earlier this week.

The French striker scored the match-winning goal in the 85th minute, but immediately marred his performance by removing his shirt in celebration — earning a second yellow card from referee Thomas Bramall and getting himself sent off.

Jeremie Frimpong was visibly frustrated with Ekitike, and pundit Chris Sutton slammed the 23-year-old’s actions as “sheer stupidity,” particularly as his suspension now rules him out of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Liverpool Expected to Dock Ekitike’s Wages After Red Card

In his Liverpool Confidential column for Mail Sport, journalist Lewis Steele revealed the likely consequences Ekitike will face. The striker, wearing number 22, is reportedly set to lose two weeks’ pay — around £400,000 according to Capology. However, Steele noted that the harshest response may come from inside the dressing room, with some teammates openly criticising the manner of his two yellow cards.

Steele concluded: “A mistake was made, the punishment has been dealt: Ekitike will lose financially, but gain in experience.”

A Lesson Learned for Ekitike

It’s uncommon for a player to be called out so publicly by both teammates and the manager, with Arne Slot branding the decision to remove his shirt as “stupid.” This underlines how unnecessary and frustrating the incident was for those inside the club.

Ekitike has since issued a public apology and will serve his suspension during the Palace match. On the bright side, he’ll be well-rested for Liverpool’s challenging away trip to Galatasaray next Tuesday.

To truly make amends, Ekitike will need to get back on the scoresheet quickly — something he’s already shown a knack for, with five goals in his first eight appearances for the Reds, including a match-winner in the Merseyside derby.

He’s not alone in making an embarrassing exit — Darwin Nunez was famously sent off on his Anfield debut for headbutting Joachim Andersen. Yet Nunez managed to recover and win over the Liverpool faithful during his time at the club.

If Ekitike delivers a crucial goal against Galatasaray or Chelsea before the October international break, Tuesday’s red card will soon be a distant memory.