Hugo Ekitike: Why Liverpool Star Will Miss Premier League Game Despite Red Card in Carabao Cup
- Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike will serve a one-match suspension after his red card against Southampton
- Ekitike will miss the Premier League match against Crystal Palace despite a red card in the Carabao Cup
- Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the French striker’s action as stupid during his post-match conference
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike will serve a one-match suspension after his unnecessary red card during the 2-1 win over Southampton.
Liverpool beat EFL Championship side Southampton 2-1 at Anfield to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Ekitike.
Source: Getty Images
Federico Chiesa assisted both goals, unselfishly laying a pass for the Frenchman, who forgot he had gotten a yellow card earlier for petulance and removed his shirt in celebration.
His teammate Jeremie Frimpong and manager Arne Slot, both of whom quickly realised the consequences of the striker's action, could not contain their disdain.
Slot, during his post-match conference, described the €95 million signing’s action as stupid in all ramifications and one he would have understood if it were a Champions League final.
“Needless? Yes. And it was stupid. The first one was already needless and to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions,” he told Sky Sports.
“I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner, I can maybe understand. He is like, 'This is all about me, what did I do?'”
The Dutch tactician added that the striker could have turned around and celebrated with Chiesa, who set him up for the goal, a celebration that could have made him avoid a booking.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt star apologised with a message on his Instagram story for the moment of lapse in self-awareness, which earned him a suspension.
“I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match... The emotion got the better of me tonight,” he wrote on Instagram, as captured by Sky Sports.
“My apologies to all the Red family, thanks to the fans who always support us and to my teammates for securing this victory!”
Source: Getty Images
Why Ekitike will miss Premier League game
Ekitike will miss Liverpool's Premier League match against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this weekend, despite his sending off coming in the Carabao Cup.
There was confusion from the fans, particularly Fantasy Premier League players, about whether he would miss the league match or the next round in the Cup.
According to BBC Sport, all red card suspensions in domestic games are served across all competitions, including league games, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
Why Sanchez won't miss Premier League match
Legit.ng explained why Roberto Sanchez won't miss a Premier League match after his red card for Chelsea during their 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
The goalkeeper's red card was deemed to have disrupted a goalscoring opportunity and not violent conduct, hence a one-match ban, which he served in the Carabao Cup against Lincoln.
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: Legit.ng
