Liverpool edged Southampton 2-1 and booked their place in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup. Still, the scoreline wasn’t what got people talking afterward. The spotlight landed on Hugo Ekitike, who not only netted the decisive goal but also managed to turn himself into the night’s big controversy. Moments after putting his team through, the French forward was sent off, sparking sharp criticism from coach Arne Slot. Ekitike ripped off his shirt in celebration, forgetting he was already on a yellow for handling the ball earlier, and the referee showed him red in the 85th minute. Slot didn’t mince words, flat-out calling it “stupid.”
Slot’s blunt reaction
In his post-match comments, the manager didn’t sugarcoat a thing. He branded the forward’s actions immature and completely unnecessary. At 47, Slot describes himself as old-fashioned, someone who values discipline and experience, and in his eyes, there was no logic in celebrating like that when the team’s bigger objective was at stake. “The first yellow was already needless and, to be honest, stupid, because you’ve got to keep your emotions under control. So unnecessary, not clever at all. I’ll also call it stupid,” he said.
It may have sounded harsh, but the message was crystal clear: Liverpool won’t put up with reckless behavior that risks the team’s ambitions. Slot acknowledged how important the goal was, but he also made it clear the dismissal could have backfired badly. Had Southampton managed to level late on, the whole qualification might have slipped because of one avoidable mistake.
Talent and inexperience colliding
Ekitike is just 23. He’s played eight matches for Liverpool so far and already scored five goals. The numbers look good, especially for someone fresh at the club, but this incident showed he’s still got some maturing left to do. Scoring decisive goals is a gift, but composure is just as vital when you’re wearing the Liverpool badge.
Now he’ll be sidelined for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. It’s the kind of punishment that underlines how rash choices carry heavy consequences. Slot’s decision to go public with his criticism wasn’t only about Ekitike, it was also a reminder to the whole squad. The warning was loud and clear: no one can afford to lose their head.