Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was handed a red card for celebrating a goal by removing his jersey during the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton. Ekitike had already been booked for dissent earlier in the match when he punched the ball away after a decision went against him. Despite being down to ten men, the Premier League champions edged past Southampton 2-1 at Anfield to reach the fourth round.
As a result of the red card, Ekitike will miss Saturday’s upcoming trip to Crystal Palace due to suspension.
### Ekitike Apologises for Red Card
Following the incident, the Liverpool striker issued a public apology for his “stupid” red card. Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
> “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. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my teammates for securing this victory! #Reds.”
Ekitike’s apology came after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his disappointment with the striker’s behavior. Klopp commented:
> “The first one (yellow card) was already needless and to a certain extent stupid because you have to control your emotions. So yeah, needless, not smart, you call it stupid and I call it stupid.”
### Liverpool Edge Past Southampton
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 43rd minute before being withdrawn at halftime. Southampton, coached by Will Still, will regret their missed opportunities throughout the match. Leo Scienza notably headed wide from close range with the goal gaping after Adam Armstrong struck the crossbar in the first half.
Federico Chiesa forced Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy into an error right before halftime, capitalizing on the visitors’ wasted chances.
Despite Liverpool’s lead, Southampton remained resilient. Their efforts paid off midway through the second half when Wataru Endo misjudged a defensive header from a corner. Substitute Shea Charles scored the equalizer after the ball fell to him.
As the match neared its final stages, a precise pass from Andy Robertson found Chiesa making a run behind Southampton’s defense. After excellent control, Chiesa squared the ball for Ekitike, who finished calmly into an empty net to clinch the victory for Liverpool.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/carabao-cup-liverpool-striker-hugo-ekitike-issues-apology-after-getting-sent-off-for-removing-jersey-against-southampton-video