Ekitike sees red after scoring Liverpool’s Carabao Cup winner
LIVERPOOL – Hugo Ekitike fired Liverpool into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup but turned from hero to villain almost immediately after picking up one of the more needless red cards you’re likely to see.
The French striker, who replaced Alexander Isak at half-time, netted an 85th-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield. But his joy was short-lived as he whipped off his shirt in celebration, earning a second yellow card and an early trip down the tunnel.
Isak, making his first start since arriving in a £125 million deal from Newcastle, had opened the scoring late in the first half, latching onto Federico Chiesa’s pass after the Saints gifted possession cheaply. The Swede’s sharp finish marked his first goal for the club, though he was withdrawn at the break as he continues to build fitness.
Southampton hit back through Shea Charles on 76 minutes and looked set to force penalties until Ekitike struck. The 22-year-old, already on a booking for dissent, removed his shirt and held it aloft to the Kop, prompting referee Thomas Bramall to show him a second yellow.
A touch of class… then a moment of madness! 😱
Hugo Ekitike finishes off a lovely Liverpool team move, then is SENT OFF with a second yellow after removing his shirt on the celebration 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/FoEMIe7GbO
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 23, 2025
Manager Arne Slot was unimpressed with his striker’s decision-making. “Stupid, not smart in every sense,” he said. “If you score in a Champions League final in the 87th minute, maybe you can understand it. But this was needless, not smart. For me, this goal was all about Chiesa, not about him.”
Liverpool, who finished the game with 10 men, have now won all seven matches this season across competitions and will find out their next Carabao Cup opponents on Wednesday. Ekitike, meanwhile, will miss the weekend’s league trip to Crystal Palace through suspension.
The sending off may also add intrigue to Liverpool’s striking options, with Slot balancing between marquee signings Isak and Ekitike in a season where the club are chasing both domestic and European honours.