Liverpool edged past Southampton 2-1 in the League Cup on Tuesday night but the victory was overshadowed by Hugo Ekitike’s needless sending-off.
The French striker, who came on for record signing Alexander Isak at halftime, netted what proved to be the winning goal before ripping off his shirt in celebration despite already being on a yellow card.
The second booking left Liverpool clinging on with 10 men in the closing minutes.
Captain Andy Robertson branded the decision “stupid” and manager Arne Slot was equally unimpressed, questioning why a simple finish merited such a reaction. “It was stupid, not smart in every sense… he’s now suspended for Saturday and that is far from ideal,” Slot said, while praising Federico Chiesa’s role in creating the goal.
Ekitike later apologised on Instagram, admitting “the emotion got the better of me.”
Slot, who rotated heavily from the weekend win over Everton, admitted his side were far from fluent but was encouraged by Isak’s first goal for the club.
He added the Swede will be eased into full fitness over the coming weeks, with Liverpool’s trip to unbeaten Crystal Palace in the league looming on Saturday.
