Ekitike Apologises After Red Card for Shirtless Celebration in Liverpool’s Cup Win

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has apologised to fans after being sent off for an overzealous celebration in Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Southampton at Anfield.

The 23-year-old Frenchman came off the bench at half-time to replace record signing Alexander Isak, who had opened his scoring account earlier in the game. Ekitike was booked almost immediately for dissent, then went on to net the decisive goal in the 85th minute after linking up with Federico Chiesa. However, his decision to remove his shirt and hold it up to the crowd led to a second yellow card, forcing referee Thomas Bramall to send him off.

The dismissal means Ekitike will now miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. The striker, signed in July for £69 million, admitted he let emotions get the better of him. “I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match,” he wrote on Instagram. “The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family.”

Manager Arne Slot was critical of the celebration, calling it “needless” and “stupid.” He remarked that such an act might be excusable in a Champions League final, but not in a third-round League Cup tie. With competition for places fierce and Isak keen to establish himself, Ekitike’s absence could prove costly as he continues to battle for a regular starting spot.