Ekitike red card highlights needless emotions in Liverpool winNeedless suspension raises questionsLiverpool’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton should have been remembered as another sign of

Hugo Ekitike apologized to Liverpool fans for being sent off after celebrating his game-winning goal against Southampton in the English League Cup on Tuesday. Liverpool coach Arne Slot described the France striker's actions as “needless” and “stupid.

Newcastle, long-term admirers of Ekitiké, reignited their pursuit of the 23-year-old this summer after watching him rack up 15 goals and eight assists last season. The Magpies wanted him as a replacement for Alexander Isak but ended up missing out on his signature to Liverpool, who then landed Isak on Deadline Day as well.

Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool and Hugo Ekitike scored the winner, but was then immediately sent off for removing his shirt, to outlast recently relegated Southampton in the 3rd round of the League Cup.

Moments after scoring Liverpool's second goal of the match against Southampton, Hugo Ekitike picked up his second yellow card for taking his shirt off and it understandably irked Arne Slot

After failing with an initial approach to Newcastle United over Isak worth a reported £120 million ($162.9 million), Liverpool quickly pivoted to beat the Magpies to Ekitiké by striking a deal worth as much as £79 million, after which Isak opted to go on strike to try and force through a move to Anfield.

Liverpool’s new centre-forward Hugo Ekitike has made it clear that the weight of his €80m transfer fee does not concern him. Speaking to Canal+ Sport, the French striker delivered a simple message: “I don’t care.”

Liverpool Arne Slot was furious with Hugo Ekitike after his ‘stupid’ red card but it can also harm him in a bigger way as Alexander Isak is waiting to take his spot in the team.

Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in signing former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2026.