Slot blasts Ekitike for red card despite winning goal | OneFootball

Arne Slot criticised Hugo Ekitike after the striker scored Liverpool’s winner before being sent off in their 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

The French forward replaced Alexander Isak at half-time and was booked just eight minutes later for punching the ball away after a free-kick was given.

Ekitike later put Liverpool back in front in the 85th minute, finishing Federico Chiesa’s cross after Shea Charles had earlier equalised for the visitors.

His joy was short-lived, however, as he picked up a second yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating in front of the home crowd.

Manager unimpressed with needless booking

Speaking after the match, Slot described the red card as unnecessary and stressed that Ekitike must learn to control his emotions better.

“Needless? Yes. And it was stupid,” he told Sky Sports. “The first one was already needless and to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions.”

Slot added that only special goals in the biggest moments could justify such celebrations, using an example of a Champions League final winner.

“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 explained.

He went on to credit Chiesa for creating the decisive goal, insisting Ekitike should have celebrated with his team-mate rather than making it about himself.

Liverpool prepare for Palace test

The Liverpool boss ended by reminding his striker that showing passion is fine, but it should not come at the cost of another yellow card.

“It is always best to control your emotions. If you cannot, do it in a way that does not lead to a yellow card,” he said.

Ekitike will now serve a one-match suspension, ruling him out of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Palace, under Oliver Glasner, remain unbeaten in the league so far this season, which makes the fixture another tough test for Slot’s side.