Hugo Ekitike’s costly red card leaves Liverpool frustrated ahead of Palace clash
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday night was overshadowed by Hugo Ekitike’s dramatic dismissal, a moment his manager Arne Slot described as “stupid” and unnecessary.
The French forward had replaced Alexander Isak at half time, with the Swede already on the scoresheet following Federico Chiesa’s assist just before the break. Within minutes of coming on, Ekitike picked up his first booking for dissent after angrily punching the ball away in protest at referee Thomas Bramall’s decision.
Liverpool’s lead did not last long. Shea Charles levelled for Southampton in the 76th minute after a defensive lapse, but Chiesa once again turned provider, laying off a simple chance that Ekitike buried from close range.
What should have been his moment of redemption quickly spiralled into disaster. The 23 year old ripped off his shirt and waved it towards the Anfield crowd in celebration, an action that automatically drew a second yellow card. Teammate Jeremie Frimpong’s reaction said it all as he clearly knew what was coming. Seconds later Bramall showed Ekitike the red card.
With only four minutes of normal time remaining, the Reds had to see out the contest with ten men, but they managed to cling on for a 2-1 victory and progress to the fourth round.
Ekitike’s ejection however has bigger consequences. He will now serve a one match ban in domestic competition, meaning he will miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday. He will however be eligible for their midweek Champions League tie against Galatasaray in Istanbul and the following league encounter with Chelsea.
Arne Slot made no attempt to hide his irritation after the game. “The first yellow was needless, the second was stupid. If you score a Champions League final goal after beating three players, maybe I understand. But in this situation no chance,” Slot said.
The Dutch boss continued, “When you score, sometimes it is best to recognise the assist. If it was me, I would have gone straight to Chiesa, that goal was all about him. Emotion is part of the game, but you have to control it. If you cannot, at least do not do something that gets you sent off.”
For Ekitike, his night at Anfield went from hero to villain in just eight minutes, leaving Liverpool to celebrate progression with a lingering headache ahead of the weekend.
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