Hugo Ekitike Won ‘Ballon d’Or Of Stupidity’ Against Southampton – Former PL Star | OneFootball

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Former Premier League midfielder Craig Burley has slammed Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike for his red card against Southampton, stating that his action won him the ‘Ballon d’Or of stupidity’.

Liverpool new boy Ekitike has begun his career at Anfield in a brilliant fashion as he has already netted five goals in eight games in all competitions so far.

On Tuesday night at Anfield, the Reds faced Southampton in the EFL Cup third round, where Ekitike’s 85th-minute strike gave them the 2-1 win and they progressed to the next round.

However, a memorable night for Ekitike turned sour when his celebration of the goal against Southampton, where he took off his shirt, forced the referee to book him for his second yellow card of the day and gave him his marching orders.

Burley deemed Ekitike’s action irresponsible which he indicated potentially could cost Arne Slot’s side against Crystal Palace at the weekend at Selhurst Park, a game which the Frenchman will miss.

The ex-Premier League midfielder stated that Ekitike’s action should win him the ‘Ballon d’Or of stupidity’ and termed his act of removing the shirt during his celebration as a brainless and utterly ridiculous.

“Liverpool, another narrow win, another late goal”, Burley said on ESPN FC (14:55).

“A lot of changes in the team, but Hugo Ekitike has absolutely won the Ballon d’Or of stupidity.

“Every now and then you see something utterly stupid and sort of brainless and this was one of them because, yes, they have signed Alexander Isak, but he has not had that much game time.

“He [Isak] scored a goal tonight, but Palace are a tough nut to crack at Selhurst Park.

“They are a good side; they have three big centre backs.

“You want to have your best players, your in-form players and for something as utterly stupid as this, Liverpool are going to miss him at the weekend.

“I mean, it is just bonkers.”

Liverpool are top of the league table at the moment and they will come up against Oliver Glasner’s Palace, who are unbeaten this season so far.

The Eagles met Slot’s side in the Community Shield game at the beginning of the season, where Liverpool suffered a defeat on penalties.