‘I don’t agree with it’: Stiliyan Petrov says Liverpool star should write a letter to the FA after what happened
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Liverpool are without one player this weekend after he was sent off in the League Cup game against Southampton.
Hugo Ekitike received two yellow cards against the Saints, with his second offence being taking his shirt off in celebration of a goal which was assisted by Federico Chiesa to win the game for the Reds.
The player’s behaviour in receiving an unnecessary second yellow drew criticism, with Arne Slot labelling his actions as ‘needless and stupid’.
While it was rumoured that the Frenchman would receive a fine for his behaviour, the Dutchman confirmed in his latest press conference that no such punishment was awarded.
The 23-year-old had issued an apology to fans and likely to his teammates on the night, but even so, he will miss the Crystal Palace game on Saturday.
This means his main competition, Alexander Isak, will receive his first Premier League start for the Reds.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Even though he has been criticised by ex-professionals, Wayne Rooney launches a surprise defence of Ekitike because he found his action ‘refreshing’ for a modern player.
Another former footballer, Stiliyan Petrov, is also one of those who thinks the French international has faced some unfair criticism for his celebration in the Carabao Cup.
During an interview with Premier League Friday, the ex-Celtic player was unsure why he had to apologise following the sending off and was adamant that, if any punishment was given, the player should write to the FA to pass any financial penalty to the official.
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Petrov said: “I mean, Arne Slot just said he apologised, you should never apologise for scoring a goal.
Listen, Ekitike, he’s been incredible, I’ve been really impressed.
“My dream was to play in the Premier League.
Most players come to this league and they work every day, you score a goal and you get punished for that, I don’t agree with it.
If I’m Ekitike, I’d send a letter to the FA and ask the referee to pay my fine.”
The rule itself is seen by former professionals as unneeded in today’s game, and the incident has actually led to it coming under the spotlight.
It was introduced as part of measures to prevent players from provoking the other teams and fans, but it has not caused issues in the past or even in many recent instances when it has happened.
READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals what Liverpool staff all think about Hugo Ekitike behind closed doors
Ekitike should not have taken his shirt off in that circumstance, given that he had already committed a prior offence, but it may be something that does need to be reversed, given how much celebrations can lack passion these days.
Those who have taken their shirt off in celebration have created iconic moments which last a lifetime in the memories of fans, so it should be looked at, given that the rule is not spectator-friendly.