Hugo Ekitike in moment of stupidity as Liverpool striker sent off vs Southampton
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Hugo Ekitike was sent off in bizarre fashion (Image: ITV Sport)
Hugo Ekitike picked up a bizarre red card during Liverpool's League Cup clash with Southampton on Tuesday night.
The forward has started life at Liverpool in emphatic fashion, with Ekitike netting his fifth goal for the club during the third round tie.
Such was the Frenchman's excitement after scoring against the Championship outfit, Ekitike removed his shirt and held it up to the adoring Anfield crowd.
The only issue was, Ekitike had already been booked earlier in the contest and had therefore committed a second bookable offence.
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Ekitike's team-mates were quick to realise what the forward had done, with Jeremie Frimpong rushing over to the former Eintracht Frankfurt ace to inform him.
It was too little too late though, as the referee was holding the yellow and subsequent red card in his hand, with Ekitike forced to head for an early shower.
It will likely pose a problem for Liverpool boss Arne Slot, given the Reds face a tricky test away to Southampton at the weekend.
What's more, given that Alexander Isak doesn't appear to be ready for 90 minutes of action just yet, Slot might be forced into a rethink ahead of his side's trip to Selhurst Park.
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Hugo Ekitike was shown a red card in bizarre fashion (Image: Getty)
When quizzed about whether he'll be ready to step in from the off on Saturday, Isak explained: "I feel good.
I feel confident in myself that things will work out and when I get chances I will put them away."
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Luckily for Ekitike, Liverpool saw the rest of the game out with 10 men, meaning his late strike remained the game's decisive goal.