What game Hugo Ekitike will be banned for after ‘crazy’ red card in Liverpool vs Southampton
Hugo Ekitike was sent off for Liverpool against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, in what was a moment of madness.
Liverpool beat Southampton 2-1 to progress, with Ekitike converting Federico Chiesa’s square ball to net the winner.
The Frenchman had come off the bench at half-time, with Alexander Isak scoring the opener before the break to give the Reds the lead.
Slot chose to start Ekitike against Everton, with the Dutchman facing a choice between his two in-form strikers.
How many games will Hugo Ekitike miss for Liverpool?
Liverpool signed Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, with the striker appearing to fit into Slot’s system from the off.
After a goal on his debut, the 23-year-old would net in his first two Premier League games, also claiming an assist against Bournemouth.
And against Everton, the forward’s well-placed finish in the first half ultimately proved to be the difference in a narrow win for Slot’s side.
Ekitike looked to continue his fine form as he came off the bench against Southampton, and looked immediately fired up.
The France international was booked for throwing the ball away just eight minutes after his introduction, and after scoring what would prove to be the winner, the striker did the unthinkable.
| Hugo Ekitike | Vs Southampton |
| Minutes played | 41 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Yellow cards | 2 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Touches in opposition box | 7 |
| Fouls committed | 2 |
In a moment of madness, Ekitike took his shirt off to celebrate – a decision that would earn him his second yellow card, and the subsequent red.
Lee Hendrie, commentating live for Sky Sports, described the moment as “crazy”, and the forward’s manager will likely agree, with Ekitike now set to be suspended for one game.
Yellow cards accumulated in the Carabao Cup will stay in the competition, but red cards carry over to all domestic competitions, meaning the Frenchman will miss the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Andy Robertson reacts to Hugo Ekitike red card
Liverpool were not made to pay for Ekitike’s red card, but his teammates will not thank him for having to defend with 10 men for the final 10 minutes.
Andy Robertson was asked about the incident by Sky Sports after the game, and said: “I’d be very surprised if he does it again.
“Obviously, I think scoring a goal is always emotional and you’ll always get that emotion, but he’s obviously just forgot that he’s already been booked.
“His first one is for kicking the ball away, we know the rules around that. It’s two silly bookings to pick up and now obviously we’ll miss him for Saturday. It’s silly from his part but he’s young and he’ll learn from it.”
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