Ekitike Apologises After Red Card For “Stupid” Celebration In Liverpool Cup Win

Liverpool’s summer signing Hugo Ekitike has apologised to fans after being sent off for a “needless” celebration during Tuesday night’s League Cup win over Southampton at Anfield.

The 23-year-old French forward scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, finishing Federico Chiesa’s pass to secure a 2-1 victory. But his decision to remove his shirt and hold it up in front of the cameras earned him a second yellow card, leaving referee Thomas Bramall no choice but to show red.

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain in July for £69 million, had earlier been booked for dissent after replacing Alexander Isak at half-time. Isak, Liverpool’s £125 million record signing, had opened his account before Shea Charles equalised for Southampton.

Reflecting on the dismissal, Ekitike admitted on Instagram that emotion got the better of him:
“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.”

Manager Arne Slot, however, was less forgiving, branding the celebration “stupid.” He said:
“If you score in a Champions League final after beating three players and smashing it in the top corner, I might understand. But this was needless. He should have been celebrating with Chiesa, because the goal was all about him.”

Ekitike has made a strong start with three goals in five league matches, but the suspension means he will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace. With Isak pushing to cement his place, the Frenchman’s absence could prove costly in Liverpool’s crowded forward line.