Hugo Ekitike apologized in Liverpool locker room after foolish moment

Liverpool players have no grudge against Hugo Ekitike following the striker's dismissal in last month's Carabao Cup third-round clash with Southampton.

Merely eight minutes after entering the fray, the Liverpool substitute was cautioned for dissent when referee Thomas Bramall awarded a free-kick against him. Aggrieved by the official's decision, Ekitike batted the ball away, earning the booking.

Alexander Isak's breakthrough was levelled by Shea Charles, though the Reds restored their advantage within 10 minutes. Federico Chiesa provided the assist for Ekitike's close-range strike, and the 23-year-old was unable to suppress his elation. The French attacker foolishly removed his shirt and held it aloft, parading before the Anfield faithful in celebration.

Jeremie Frimpong was first to reach him, his facial expression alone revealing he understood what would follow.

Bramall swiftly brandished a second yellow card with merely four minutes plus stoppage time left.

Ekitike offered his apologies to teammates in the changing room, and according to The Athletic, his contrition was welcomed - they bore no ill will and collectively moved forward.

The France international became overexcited after netting the decisive goal and faced the consequences with a one-match suspension, momentarily overlooking his existing caution.

At the time, Reds head coach Arne Slot disclosed that Ekitike avoided a financial penalty.

The Dutch manager commented: "Disciplined means I spoke to him but if 'disciplined' means a fine, we didn't do that.

"It wasn't smart what he did, he recognized that straight away and said sorry to his teammates.

"Players of all ages do make mistakes, and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without immediately getting fines.

"He is a fantastic human being, if you speak to all staff members and ask them their warmest human beings, he would be in the top three. He wasn't smart, didn't hurt us on Tuesday, might tomorrow."

Ekitike has made an immediate impact at Liverpool following his summer transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring five goals and providing an assist in his 10 appearances for the club.

The Reds need Ekitike to be on top form when they take on Manchester United on Sunday, looking to snap a three-game losing streak.

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