- by Ashton Beauregard
- on 24 Sep, 2025
What went wrong on the pitch
During Liverpool's narrow victory over Southampton, Hugo Ekitike found himself on the wrong side of the referee’s notebook twice in the final minutes. The first yellow came after he kicked the ball away in a moment of frustration – a move that Liverpool captain Andy Robertson called "stupidity" given that the rules are crystal clear on deliberate ball‑play after a foul.
Moments later, the French‑born youngster celebrated a goal by ripping his shirt off, apparently forgetting he was already booked. The second caution came for the shirt removal, turning an otherwise joyous celebration into a red card. The dismissal forced Liverpool to grind out the last ten minutes with ten men, adding an unwanted strain to a game they ultimately won 2‑1.
Both manager Arne Slot and Robertson were blunt in post‑match interviews. Slot labeled the episode "needless and stupid," while Robertson noted he would be "very surprised if he does it again" and highlighted that the young forward's emotions got the better of him.
Consequences and the road ahead
The immediate fallout is a three‑match suspension that sidelines Ekitike for Liverpool's next Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. That loss narrows the Reds' attacking options just as they aim to keep pressure on the title race. Coach Slot will now have to re‑adjust his line‑up, likely leaning more on established forwards or giving another academy player a chance.
Ekitike issued a prompt apology, acknowledging the impact of his actions on team selection. Teammates have rallied around him, stressing that the incident is a learning curve for a player still finding his feet in the Premier League. Robertson summed it up: "He's only young, he'll learn from it. Happy that he scored, but we can't afford to be down to ten men again."
For Liverpool, the episode serves as a reminder that discipline counts as much as talent. The club will need to manage the striker’s enthusiasm while ensuring he remains a positive influence on the pitch. As the team prepares for the Palace match, all eyes will be on how the coaching staff compensates for the missing firepower and whether the lesson sticks for the young forward.