Apologetic Ekitike Faces Ban After Costly Celebration

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has apologised to fans after being sent off for a “stupid” celebration during the Reds’ 2-1 League Cup victory over Southampton at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old striker, who joined the club in July for £69 million, struck the decisive goal in the 85th minute, sliding home Federico Chiesa’s pass to restore Liverpool’s lead. But his jubilation quickly turned to regret when he removed his shirt and held it up for the cameras, earning a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.

Earlier, Ekitike had been booked for punching the ball away in frustration. His late strike came after Shea Charles had cancelled out Alexander Isak’s opener for Liverpool.

Referee Thomas Bramall had no choice but to show the France forward a red card, ruling him out of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

A contrite Ekitike took to Instagram after the match to express remorse:
“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.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, however, was unimpressed, describing the forward’s conduct as “needless” and “stupid.”
“I told him that 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,” Slot said. “But this was not about him. That goal was all about Chiesa’s work.”

Despite his lapse in discipline, Ekitike has made a strong start to life at Anfield, scoring three goals in five Premier League appearances. But with Isak — the club’s £125 million record signing — also vying for a starting role, the Frenchman’s suspension hands his rival an opportunity to strengthen his claim for a regular place in the side.