LFC Live - Jeremie Frimpong reaction speaks volumes after 'stupid' Hugo Ekitike decision

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Jeremie Frimpong was quick to admonish Hugo Ekitike after the forward's winning goal against Southampton.

Even before a second yellow card had been shown, the Dutch defender knew the forward had cost his team-mates by removing his shirt in celebration.

Ekitike provided a simple finish to Federico Chiesa's pass to restore Liverpool's Carabao Cup lead over the Saints at Anfield but his joy was short-lived as he was soon handed his marching orders.

The 23-year-old was handed his second caution, having received his first for his angry reaction to a foul being awarded against him kicking the ball away.

The French striker, who has enjoyed an exciting start to life at Liverpool, carelessly forgot he was already on a yellow card, and Frimpong was quick to let him know.

READ MORE:Alexander Isak sticks to Newcastle tradition after scoring first Liverpool goal following £125m transferREAD MORE:Liverpool handed huge Hugo Ekitike blow during Southampton clash

The former Bayer Leverkusen ace expressed his displeasure as Ekitike turned to continue his celebrations and found a quick jab from the hands of Frimpong in his chest.

The full-back was wide-eyed and appeared to offer some stern words to Ekitike in advance of being handed his official sending off by the referee, which sees the striker banned for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

While Ekitike's coaching staff looked frustrated on the sidelines, former Blackburn forward Chris Sutton was aghast at the player's actions.

"For Ekitike to get a second yellow card for that (taking his shirt off) is just sheer stupidity, and he'll now miss the league game against Crystal Palace," the ex-Premier League striker told the BBC.

"He's been such an important player for Liverpool so far this season, what a start to his Liverpool career, important goal this evening, but that's not great for Arne Slot if he's sitting out the game at the weekend."

Liverpool veteran Andy Robertson offered a kinder response however.

The Scot reckons Ekitike has already learned from the moment.

"I'd be very surprised if he does it again," Robertson told Sky Sports.

"I think scoring a goal is always emotional and you always get that emotion, but he's obviously just forgot he's been booked.

"His first one is stupidity, kicking the ball away, we know the rules around that.

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