Arne Slot issues cutting response to Hugo Ekitike red card as Liverpool boss sends clear message

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said Hugo Ekitike's sending off against Southampton in the Carabao Cup was "needless" and "stupid" after he was given a second caution for removing his jersey.

Ekitike, who came on at halftime, was booked minutes into the second half for an act of dissent after disagreeing with the referee, Thomas Bramall, over a foul given against him.

If I had scored a goal like this, I would have turned to Federico Chiesa and said: 'This is all about you'," Slot said during his post-match press conference.

Liverpool moved into the lead in the game with Alexander Isak netting in front of the Anfield Road End.

A first goal for Alexander [Isak] and another from Hugo [Ekitike].

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"Positives from the game but how we played as a team — not taking anything away from Southampton because they played well — it wasn't our best performance."

With Ekitike suspended, Isak might be asked to put in more of a shift than anticipated at Selhurst Park.

"I feel good," Isak said.