Hugo Ekitike has been slammed for his "dumb" red card in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The France striker, who was already on a yellow card, came off the bench to score a late winner for the Reds but picked up a second booking for taking his shirt off in celebration. Now, the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man has been torn apart on social media.
Ekitike forgets he's on yellow card when removing shirt
Liverpool looked to be heading to a 1-0 win after summer signing Alexander Isak's opener but Shea Charles equalised 14 minutes from time for the Championship side. Ekitike, who is competing with the Swede to be Liverpool's starting striker, tapped home five minutes from time before being dismissed for a second yellow. Now, some football fans believe that Isak is "in his head" after his "stupid" act, even though he sealed the 2-1 victory.
AdvertisementSocial media tears into Ekitike
@OneMotolani wrote on X: "Is Ekitike dumb, man? Two dumb yellow cards. Slot will make him pay for that. I think Isak is in this kid’s head. Isak scoring messed with his head. Can’t tell me nothing. Too fired up when he came on too."
@lfcjusto tweeted: "Hugo Ekitike picked aura ig pics over playing against Crystal Palace. I love him."
@Gbemiga__A commented: "That Isak goal rattled Ekitike's brain," and @unrulyking000 added, "Ekitike. dumbest red card I’ve seen. He clearly has a low IQ. So stupid."
@jordyinit put: "Ekitike saw Isak score his first, came on, scored, and held his shirt up to remind Anfield. Class. Dumb red though."
Finally, @_lfcleanne stated: "Absolutely shambolic from Hugo Ekitike. An already hard away game just got a lot tougher without him. Needless and so very stupid."
Getty Images SportHow long is Ekitike banned for?
Isak was signed for a British record £125 million ($169m) earlier this month, something that puts extra pressure on £79m ($107m) summer recruit Ekitike to deliver. The 23-year-old has had an excellent start to life at Anfield, scoring five goals in eight games. But, after his sending off, he will serve a one-match ban, giving Isak – who opened his Liverpool scoring account – a chance to usurp him from the starting XI going forward.
Premier League test comes next for Liverpool
The forward will now sit out Liverpool's trip to unbeaten Crystal Palace, who bested them in the Community Shield final last month, in the Premier League on Saturday. Incidentally, Ekitike's celebration, and subsequent dismissal, could be a costly move in the long run.
