Slot brands Hugo Ekitike’s red card “stupid” and “needless” after Liverpool win | OneFootball

Liverpool manager Arne Slot pulled no punches in his assessment of Hugo Ekitike’s (23) dismissal during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, describing the striker’s actions as “needless” and “stupid” after he was sent off for excessive celebration.

Ekitike, who replaced Alexander Isak at halftime, initially earned a yellow card for punching the ball away in frustration. Yet after tapping in Federico Chiesa’s cross in the 85th minute to restore Liverpool’s lead, the Frenchman removed his shirt in front of the Anfield crowd, for which he was duly given a second booking and sent off.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot acknowledged the striker’s match-winning contribution but was unequivocal in his criticism. “Needless? Yes. And it was stupid,” the Dutchman said. “The first one was already needless, but you have to control your emotions. If you score in a Champions League final after dribbling past three players and smashing it into the top corner, maybe I understand. But this? The goal was all about Federico.”

Ekitike, who has now scored five goals this season, will miss Saturday’s Premier League meeting with unbeaten Crystal Palace. He apologised on Instagram, admitting “emotion got the better of me” and pledging to learn from the incident. Vice-captain Andy Robertson echoed his manager’s sentiments, branding the dismissal silly: “Two silly bookings and we miss him for Saturday. He will learn from it, and I’ll be very surprised if he does it again.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle