Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the League Cup thanks to a goal from Hugo Ekitike in the 85th minute, but the Frenchman’s celebration thereafter, which led to his dismissal, was less spectacular. It’s now clear how Arne Slot and his group may discipline the youthful center-forward.
Arriving with Ekitike in the summer, Alexander Isak scored the first goal for the team shortly before halftime. Federico Chiesa squared the ball to Ekitike, who then passed it into an open net with four minutes remaining, thus Shea Charles’ equalisation for the visitors was only a consolation.
In front of the supporters at Anfield, Liverpool’s £69 million summer acquisition raced to the corner flag, removed his No. 22 shirt, and hung it up like Lionel Messi. Referee Thomas Bramall gave the former Paris Saint-Germain player his marching orders after he had been booked earlier in the match.
See below for Ekitike’s match-winning performance and subsequent red card:
Ekitike’s Potential Punishment for Southampton Red Card Revealed
The ever-lovable Jurgen Klopp was replaced by Slot, who took issue with Ekitike’s celebration after winning the game. He disclosed what they had discussed behind closed doors: “Needless? Indeed. It was also foolish. Since you need to regulate your emotions, the first one was already unnecessary and perhaps foolish.
“I told him that I could possibly accept if he scored in the 87th minute of the Champions League final after outplaying the other players and striking the top corner. ‘This is all about me, what did I do?’ he says.
However, I am 47 years old and traditional. “That goal is all about you, this is not about me,” I would have said to Federico Chiesa if I had scored a goal like this. I never played at this level, but I did score a few goals. Controlling your emotions is usually preferable,” he stated. “If you can’t, do it in a way that doesn’t lead to a yellow card.”
Additionally, Ekitike will be fined by the Dutch tactician, who became just the fifth manager to win the Premier League title in their first season in 2024–2025, for being sent out following their close 2-1 victory over Southampton. The lazy striker will probably lose two weeks’ pay, according to a Daily Mail story.
Liverpool offered the twice-capped France international a six-year contract for £200,000 per week after fending off opposition from Manchester United. This implies that he will lose out on £400,000 if the rumours of a two-week financial suspension materialise.
Given that he will now miss their Premier League match against Crystal Palace this weekend, Ekitike, who was born in Reims, must have felt the full fury of his colleagues in the changing room based on Jeremie Frimpong’s response as he took off his shirt. As a result, Slot will have to start an Isak in the center-forward position who isn’t quite fit.
It’s safe to say that Liverpool supporters’ reactions to the news on social media have been conflicted. Some people believe that getting deducted two weeks’ worth of pay is a bit excessive. One wrote: “Surely this is false,” while another accused it of being a “poor decision.” “Losing £400k for a red card is diabolical,” the first person remarked. It isn’t possible. However, if it is, the club made a bad choice. Not at all right.
“Ignorance. He actually won the game. Many football players make poor choices on the pitch, so it’s a slippery slope. Are you going to start treating every player this way? This is crazy.
However, other people think it’s the just penalty for the 23-year-old. Fairs. I think that will show him. Another fan remarked, “It sounds harsh, but keep in mind that he makes £200k a week, so he’ll be fine,” as they accept that he won’t be available for the upcoming game.
Additionally, someone commented: “It may sound harsh, but LFC cannot have him in the upcoming match because of his acts, which are in addition to his recent performances. If we lose, it might be the start of LFC’s demise. Ekitike will return to play Galatasaray in the Champions League this weekend, but he will miss this weekend’s matchup with Oliver Glasner’s high-flying Palace.
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