10 hours ago
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Hugo Ekitike has issued an apology after receiving his marching orders for removing his shirt following his decisive strike in Liverpool's League Cup triumph over Southampton.
The French forward netted the crucial goal against the Championship outfit to seal a 2-1 triumph at Anfield, and book the Reds' place in the fourth round in the process.
However, matters became considerably more challenging when he celebrated his close-range finish by whipping off his jersey and brandishing it towards the Liverpool supporters. Having already received a caution for dissent earlier in the half, the referee had no choice but to brandish the red card.
Upon removing his shirt, Jeremie Frimpong was the first teammate to admonish him on the field, informing him that his celebration had just left his side a man short.
The Reds were forced to dig deep and defend resolutely to preserve their triumph against the Saints.
Following the encounter, Ekitike was swift to acknowledge his error and issue an apology.
Via an Instagram story, he stated: "I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me tonight.
"My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for securing the victory. #Reds."
Post-match, Andy Robertson, who wore the captain's armband against the Saints, informed the young Frenchman that he must take lessons from his blunder.
The Scotland international told Sky Sports: "I'd be very surprised if he does it again.
"I think scoring a goal is always emotional and you always get that emotion. But he's obviously just forgotten he's been booked.
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"His first one is stupidity, kicking the ball away, we know the rules around that. Two silly bookings to pick up and now we miss him for Saturday.
"It's silly from his part but he's only young and he will learn from it. Happy that he scored but the last ten minutes were made a bit more difficult being down to ten men. He will learn from it and I am sure he won't do it again."
Ekitike's red card means he will now be suspended for Liverpool's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, presenting Arne Slot with a new headache as the Reds boss continues to manage Alexander Isak's minutes carefully.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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