Former Players Slam Richarlison for Actions Toward Hugo Ekitike After Scoring in Tottenham vs. Liverpool Game
Tottenham attacker Richarlison came under scrutiny from pundits after his conduct following a late goal in Spurs’ 2–1 Premier League loss to Liverpool on December 20, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Introduced as a substitute, the Brazilian pulled one back in the 83rd minute with a close-range finish, but attention quickly shifted to his reaction, as he appeared to seize Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike near the neck while the Frenchman lay on the turf, before confronting midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge strongly criticised the incident, calling it needless. Later analysis by ex-referee Keith Hackett suggested the moment deserved closer examination and may even have warranted a red card, though Richarlison escaped punishment apart from a late booking for disputing added time.
The match itself was ill-tempered and dramatic. Liverpool went ahead through substitute Alexander Isak before Ekitike doubled the lead with a header that sparked protests from Spurs over a possible foul on captain Cristian Romero. Tottenham were already down to 10 men after Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, and Romero was later dismissed in stoppage time for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté.
Richarlison’s goal sparked a late surge from the home side, but Liverpool managed to withstand the pressure to secure the win and briefly climb into the top five. After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his team must improve at protecting leads, while Tottenham boss Thomas Frank voiced frustration with several refereeing calls, including the build-up to Ekitike’s goal.
Ekitike later described the game as unusually physical, while concerns emerged for Liverpool after Isak picked up an injury during his goal-scoring moment. On BBC’s Match of the Day, pundits Shay Given and Joe Hart highlighted the match’s intensity, with Hart pointing to Tottenham’s lack of composure, and Sturridge’s comments on Richarlison drawing particular notice.
Now 28, Richarlison has a history of fiery encounters with Liverpool dating back to his Everton days. While his goal was a positive contribution, it came on a frustrating night for Spurs, who suffered their fifth defeat in eight league matches. Liverpool, meanwhile, extended their unbeaten run to six games, aided by key contributions from summer signings.
The contest featured multiple flashpoints, bookings, and confrontations, though no retrospective action had been announced against Richarlison as of December 22, 2025. The game underlined the Premier League’s competitive edge, with Tottenham seeking progress under Frank and Liverpool striving for consistency among title contenders.
Online reaction was mixed, with clips of the goal and subsequent clash widely shared and debates centring on passion versus sportsmanship. Both teams now turn to their festive fixtures, with Liverpool hosting Wolves on December 27 and Tottenham visiting Crystal Palace a day later.
Although Richarlison’s cameo showed impact, it was overshadowed by the controversy, while Liverpool’s resilience ensured they left with all three points. The match delivered the drama expected from recent meetings between the sides, reinforcing ongoing discussions around discipline, refereeing, and player conduct in high-pressure games.