Slot slams ''stupid'' Ekitike red card | OneFootball

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, harshly criticised high-profile signing Hugo Ekitike following his red card against Southampton (2-1) on Tuesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Ekitike will now miss Liverpool's Premier League clash away at Crystal Palace this weekend.

"It was unnecessary and stupid. The first one was already unnecessary and, to some extent, stupid, because you have to control your emotions. We all need to control our emotions. I know how difficult it is to play as a number nine in the Premier League or in any other league, because defenders can do pretty much whatever they want. But it's always better to control your emotions to avoid this kind of card," said Slot.

"I told him that if he scored a goal in the Champions League final at the 87th minute, after dribbling past three players and hitting the top corner, maybe I'd understand," added the Dutch manager.

Ekitike came on at half-time and received his first yellow card in the 53rd minute. He subsequently scored the Reds' winner in the 85th minute, but saw red after taking off his shirt during his celebration.

The French striker later apologised on social media: "I was so excited to help the team secure another win at home, in what was the first game in the League Cup, that emotions got the better of me. My apologies to the entire Red family. Thank you to the fans for their support and to my teammates for securing the victory."