Hugo Ekitike red card: Arne Slot slams 'stupid' dismissal as Liverpool star sent off after celebrating tap-in in League Cup win over Southampton

React to this story

Liverpool boss Arne Slot did not hold back in his criticism of striker Hugo Ekitike, who carelessly got himself sent off in The Reds' EFL Cup win over Southampton. The 23-year-old earned a second yellow card for taking his shirt off as he celebrated scoring a late winner, and will miss Liverpool's next Premier League match. "It was stupid, not smart, in every sense," Slot said.

Slot brands Ekitike red card 'needless and stupid'

Video credit: SNTV

Arne Slot said that Hugo Ekitike was "stupid" to get himself sent off in Liverpool's EFL Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday.

Alexander Isak opened the scoring with his first goal for The Reds following his summer arrival, before Shea Charles equalised on 76 minutes for the Championship outfit.

And then up stood Ekitike in the 85th minute, tapping home from close range after some brilliant work from Federico Chiesa down the left-hand side.

League Cup

Who did Guardiola say was 'signing of the season' after Carabao Cup final win?

23/03/2026 at 07:29

In celebration, Ekitike - who was already on a yellow card - took off his shirt as he looked to have scored the latest in a series of late Liverpool winners, which resulted in his second caution of the match.

This led referee Thomas Bramall to brandish a red card, which means the striker will now be suspended for Liverpool's away match against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

"I think it's stupid, [even] if you haven't had a yellow card," Slot told Sky Sports in a harsh assessment of his striker's actions.

"Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned, maybe I'm a bit old school, but I did score a few goals - not at this level - but I did score a few goals as well, and if I'd maybe outplayed three players - which I never did - and then hit it in the top corner, then maybe you can say, 'This is all about me'.

"But if I had to score a goal like his, like he did, I would have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and would say, 'It's all about you. Federico, a great assist, great run, and I didn't have to do a lot.'

"But that's maybe me being a bit old school. It was stupid, not smart, in every sense.

"The good thing is that his team-mates helped him because we could get the win over the line, but if the information is correct and he is suspended for Saturday, it's far from ideal."

Later in his press conference, Slot delved deeper into Ekitike's first yellow card, which he was given for protesting a refereeing decision earlier in the second half.

"Was it needless? Yes. Was it stupid? Yes," the Liverpool boss insisted on Ekitike's eventual red card.

"The first one [booking] was needless and, to a certain extent, stupid because you have to control your emotions.

"I know how hard it is as a No. 9. The defender can almost do everything he wants and then you shove him a little bit or push him a little bit, you get a free-kick against you.

"But it's always best you control your emotions, but if you can't, do it in a way that doesn't lead to a yellow card."

Ekitike quickly took to social media after the game to apologise, and said: "I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory 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 support us and to my team-mates who secured this victory."

Ekitike's team-mates seemed just as frustrated over the forward's carelessness, even if fellow striker Isak was slightly more sympathetic.

The Swede said: "I am sure he just wasn't aware of being on a yellow in that moment. Sometimes, when you score a goal, you are in that moment. Of course, it is unfortunate."

Defender Andy Robertson added: "I’ll be very surprised if he does it again.

"Scoring a goal is always emotional and he must have forgotten he’d already been booked.

"The first one was stupidity, for kicking the ball away, and now we miss him for Saturday. It’s silly on his part, but he’s only young and he’ll learn from it."

- - -

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Serie A and Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.

League Cup