Liverpool: Hugo Ekitike apologizes for his "stupid" red card | OneFootball

The French striker was sent off after his decisive goal against Southampton in the League Cup.

Hugo Ekitike / Liverpool 2-1 Southampton / EFL Cup

Hugo Ekitike was sent off on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup. The French striker received a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration after scoring the decisive late goal.

Ekitike secured qualification for the Reds by converting a ball delivered by Federico Chiesa in the 85th minute. That goal, which put Liverpool ahead 2-1, was followed by a celebration deemed excessive. The former Reims forward took off his shirt in a burst of euphoria, earning a second yellow card and an immediate dismissal. He had already been booked a few minutes earlier (53rd minute) after coming off the bench for throwing the ball away.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not mince words about his striker's behavior. The Dutch coach called the sending off unnecessary and stupid, insisting Ekitike should have managed his emotions better."If you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after dribbling past three players, maybe I could understand," Slot joked.

The 47-year-old coach also explained he would have preferred to see his player thank Federico Chiesa for the decisive assist rather than celebrate excessively. In response to the criticism, Hugo Ekitike quickly issued an apology on social media.

"I was so excited tonight to help the team claim another victory here at home in my first Carabao Cup match... The emotion overwhelmed me tonight. I apologize to the entire Red family, thank you to the fans who always support us and to my teammates for securing this win! #Reds", wrote the French striker.