'So excited': Hugo Ekitike speaks out and attempts to explain needless red card against Southampton
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Hugo Ekitike received a second yellow card for taking his shirt off during his celebration.
It was striker Ekitike who came off the bench to grab the winner, although he was swiftly given his marching orders after the ball hit the back of the net.
After already being on a yellow for kicking the ball away earlier in the game, the striker took his shirt off when celebrating his goal, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off.
This means he is now banned for Liverpool’s game against Crystal Palace on Saturday, something that will infuriate Arne Slot, although Ekitike has come out to give his version of events.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Unfortunately, for Ekitike, his sending off has sort of overshadowed the entire night, with his stupidity really letting himself down.
After he did it too, it was Jeremie Frimpong who explained to him what the consequences will be, with the moment of realisation clear to see.
No one can truly wrap their head around why he did it, but Ekitike himself has tried his best to explain, with the striker posting an apology on his Instagram story.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
“I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match,” he wrote.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s Carabao Cup player ratings vs Southampton as debutants shine but £30m star fails to impress
“The emotion got the better of me tonight.
Thanks to the fans who support us and to my teammates for securing this victory.”
It is clear he has learnt his lesson and he certainly will not do it again, but if Liverpool fail to beat Crystal Palace on Saturday, a key reason for this will likely be due to his absence.
Ekitike has been so good since he arrived that many were wondering just how Slot will cope with having both him and Alexander Isak in the squad.
The Frenchman has been so impressive that he is largely undroppable, while the Swede needs minutes to get up to full fitness.
But now, the manager’s choice has been made for him, with Isak almost nailed on to start up top for the Reds on Saturday.
This can now be his chance to prove to his new manager that he is fit and ready to go, while keeping Ekitike out of the team due to his ridiculous decision.