Ex-PGMOL boss critical of Arne Slot's role in Hugo Ekitike sending off
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Wed 24 September 2025 9:15, UK
Arne Slot should have done more to prevent the sending off of striker Hugo Ekitike, a former PGMOL chief has stated.
Ekitike received two yellow cards during the second half of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool following his £125million from Newcastle, before Ekitike’s late winner sealed victory after Southampton had equalised.
Giovanni Leoni marked his Liverpool debut with an impressive display, though the Italian suffered an injury which will be a worry for Slot alongside Ekitike’s incoming suspension.
Arne Slot should have done more to prevent Ekitike’s sending off.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Ekitike was brought on at half-time for Isak, as the latter builds up his match fitness following a lengthy spell out of action at Newcastle.
The Frenchman was booked for kicking the ball away, and then when he struck the winning goal he took his shirt off in celebration.
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Andy Robertson was unimpressed by Ekitike post-match for his actions which forced Liverpool to defend their 2-1 with 10 men for the remaining five minutes plus six additional minutes of stoppage time.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Slot should have taken action before Ekitike saw red, which was the correct decision by the on-field referee.
“Having received a yellow card for kicking the ball away lacked self discipline here and frankly the manager should at that point considered taking him off,” Hackett said.
“So when he took his shirt off the second yellow followed by a red was always going to be the outcome.
“There is no difference to the suspension process and he will lose at least one game.
“However his previous disciplinary record will be taken into account and that could trigger a higher level of suspension.“
Ekitike will miss Liverpool’s trip to Crystal Palace next in the Premier League, with Isak therefore expected to start at Selhurst Park.