Hugo Ekitike thought he had secured hero status for Liverpool against Southampton in the League Cup, scoring the winning goal in the 85th minute.
However, what should have been a triumphant moment quickly soured as he received a red card for an unnecessary second yellow, following a controversial celebration reminiscent of Lionel Messi, where he brandished his shirt in front of the crowd.
After the match, coach Arne Slot did not hold back in his criticism of Ekitike. The Dutch manager expressed his disbelief at the French forward’s lack of appreciation for the assist from Federico Chiesa.
“I didn’t understand it. Maybe I’m old-fashioned. If I had scored that goal after dribbling past three players, I would have celebrated alone. But with an assist like that from Chiesa, I would have thanked him by saying ‘you set me up for that goal.’ I was shocked by how he celebrated, and even more so by his decision to take off his shirt, leading to the second yellow card,” Slot stated emphatically.
Slot’s frustration was palpable as he remarked, “It’s stupid to take off your shirt and get a yellow. When you score a goal like that, you should acknowledge the player who assisted you. It’s really foolish to get a yellow card in that situation.” The coach’s comments highlighted not only the tactical error but also the importance of team appreciation.
Criticism of Ekitike’s Celebration and Consequences
Despite starting strong in the Premier League with three goals and one assist, Ekitike’s reckless behavior may have serious implications for his standing with Slot. This red card serves as a harsh reminder that individual brilliance must be balanced with team ethics. One goal savored, but a celebration gone wrong has left him with the task of rebuilding his confidence and place in the squad.
🚨🚨 HUGO EKITIKE : LE SAUVEUR DE LIVERPOOL CE SOIR !!! ⚽️🇫🇷
🟥 Il prend un carton rouge malheureusement dans la foulée…pic.twitter.com/yCtZenUUit
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) September 23, 2025
Ekitike’s missteps could affect his ongoing journey in English football. What started as a promising venture with Liverpool may face turbulence if he does not align his passion with discipline on the pitch. A single moment of folly could jeopardize his burgeoning career and relationship with the coaching staff.
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