Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has apologised after he was sent off on Tuesday night in bizarre circumstances during the Reds' League Cup victory over Southampton.
The French forward managed to get himself dismissed in the most avoidable way possible; by whipping off his shirt in celebration after scoring.
It happened in the 85th minute when Ekitike tapped in from close range following Federico Chiesa's assist.
Unable to contain his excitement, the 23-year-old immediately pulled off his shirt and held it up to the Anfield crowd, pointing to the name on the back. Problem was, he'd already been booked earlier for dissent after punching the ball away in frustration.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has apologised after he was sent off on Tuesday night in bizarre circumstances during the Reds' League Cup victory over Southampton
|REUTERS
Referee Thomas Bramall had no choice but to show a second yellow card, sending Ekitike off with just minutes remaining. Liverpool held on for a 2-1 win, but the damage was done.
The striker has now taken to Instagram to say sorry for his antics, that will see him suspended for one game.
Hugo Ekitike scored the winner on the night after Federico Chiesa intercepted a ball at the back
|REUTERS
"I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match," he wrote.
"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 secured this victory!"
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Hugo Ekitike took to Instagram to apologise to Liverpool fans after his reckless red card
|Liverpool manager Arne Slot didn't hold back in his criticism of the dismissal, branding it "stupid and needless" in his post-match comments.
The Dutchman was visibly frustrated and refused to even look at Ekitike as he left the pitch.
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"The first one was already needless and to a certain extent stupid because you have to control your emotions in a way that does not lead to a yellow card," Slot said.
"I told him if you score in the Champions League final after beating three defenders and putting the ball in the top corner, I can maybe understand it is all about me.
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Arne Slot branded the red card 'stupid'
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"But I am old-fashioned. If I scored a goal like this I would go to Federico Chiesa and say it is all about you, not about me. It was needless and not smart. You call it stupid and I call it stupid."
The red card means Ekitike will sit out Saturday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.
It's a blow for the Frenchman who's been in fine form with five goals in eight appearances since joining Liverpool.
Alexander Isak looks set to take his place up front. The Swedish striker started Tuesday's cup tie and scored the opening goal before being substituted at half-time.
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