'Needless, stupid' - Slot criticises Ekitike red card against Southampton
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has criticised Hugo Ekitike's "stupid" red card after the striker scored the winner in the 2-1 victory against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Ekitike received his first yellow card of the afternoon, eight minutes after replacing Alexander Isak at the half-time interval, for punching the ball away when Thomas Bramall blew for a Southampton free-kick.
The 23-year-old went on to tap home Federico Chiesa's cross in the 85th minute to restore Liverpool's lead following Shea Charles' equaliser, before then taking his shirt off while celebrating in front of the Anfield crowd.
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Ekitike was sent off after being given his second yellow card of the evening and will miss Saturday's fixture against an unbeaten Crystal Palace side.
Speaking after the game, Slot said: "Needless.
Hugo Ekitike removed his shirt and is given a second yellow card after scoring for Liverpool against Southampton?
Robertson slams 'silly' Ekitike red
Liverpool vice-captain Andy Robertson echoed the criticism from Slot directed towards Ekitike after labelling the incident as "silly" in the aftermath of the victory which secured their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
"I'll be very surprised if he does it again," Robertson said to Sky Sports.
"Scoring a goal is always emotional and he's obviously just forgotten?
Watch Tim Sherwood's reaction to Hugo Ekitike seeing red after removing his shirt shortly after scoring the winning goal against Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
He takes a second yellow card for that.