'In front of everyone': Agbonlahor guesses how Ekitike will have been punished for 'disrespectful' red card

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Hugo Ekitike has been criticised for his moment of madness after being sent off in Liverpool’s first League Cup match this season.

The striker made an appearance from the bench for the Reds against Southampton, scoring the winning goal after Federico Chiesa teed him up for a tap-in to make it 2-1.

However, Ekitike, already on a yellow card for an earlier offence, took off his shirt and held it up in celebration, giving him his second yellow card, leading to his exit from the game in the final 10 minutes.

It became the centre of conversation across football, given that it was not necessary, as manager Arne Slot told reporters how his behaviour was ‘needless and stupid’.

Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

This sending off means the Frenchman will now miss the Crystal Palace game on Saturday, which means his competition in the striker position, Alexander Isak, is likely to make his first Premier League start.

The 23-year-old has apologised to fans on social media, claiming that his ‘emotions got the better of him’, but this has not stopped pundits from piling on their opinions about the poorly thought-out celebration.

Gabriel Agbonlahor was one of those who was angry about the striker deciding to do the celebration during the game, given he was already on a yellow card.

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Agbonlahor spoke on talkSPORT about how the striker should not have done this celebration against Southampton in the League Cup, given that it was a play on Lionel Messi’s iconic moment against Real Madrid.

He said: “You’re a bit of a prat, aren’t you?

Why are you running off and doing the Messi celebration?

“Messi scored a goal in a derby against Real Madrid and done that celebration.

Shirt off, held it up to the away fans at the Bernabeu.

Are you trying to tell Liverpool fans that I’m the main man because Isak signed?

You’re going to play, you’re going to get game time this season, but Isak will be the main man.”

Isak’s introduction into the Liverpool squad has undoubtedly made Ekitike sit up and take notice, but he has been putting in some brilliant performances so far, which has secured his position before the Swede is even fully fit.

Now his red card has meant he misses out on the Palace game, it means the 25-year-old Swedish international will have to take his place, but there are no central options on the bench to replace him once he is ready to make way.

Not only has it hurt the reputation of the French player slightly, but it has also put the team at a slight disadvantage, given that their star signing will not be able to play a full game, and Slot may have to put one of the wingers in the striker position.

The only good news is for Chiesa, who could make a cameo appearance off the bench, as they will need some rotation in the forward line.

Fortunately, Ekitike will be back for the Chelsea game, which is another important fixture in maintaining a gap with the current top four.