Arne Slot slams Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool striker earns ‘stupid’ red card, risks losing spot to Isak

Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised Hugo Ekitike for his red card, which came as a result of two yellow card offences in the 2-1 win over Southampton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The striker now faces the danger of losing his spot to Alexander Isak.

Coming on as a substitute for the British record £130 million signing Isak in the 46th minute, Ekitike scored the winner for Liverpool in the 85th minute after Shea Charles found the equaliser for Southampton in the second-half. The opening goal for Liverpool came in the 43rd minute through Isak, the first for the Swedish striker since moving to Anfield.

Slot slam Ekitike, who face Isak danger at Liverpool

In his excitement, Ekitike, who joined Liverpool for £69 million in July, ran towards the home supporters, took off his shirt and held it up in celebration. However, as Ekitike had already been booked once before, he was sent off by the referee.

Hugo Ekitike forgot that he had already received a yellow card and took off his shirt right after scoring a goal.

A moment later, he looked at the second yellow cardboard box and flew off the field. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
pic.twitter.com/9K8WBGTp2A

— Epic Red Cards (@epicredcards) September 23, 2025

Manager Slot was furious with Ekitike’s celebrations as he slammed the striker for what he felt was a “stupid” celebration, regardless of whether he was booked earlier or not.

“It is not [stupid] because it was his second [yellow] – it’s stupid even if you haven’t had a yellow card yet,” he said. “Maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned but I did score a few goals – not at his level but I did – and if I went past three players and put it in the top corner then maybe you can say ’this is all about me’.

“But if I scored a goal like he did tonight, I would turn to Chiesa and say ‘it’s about you Federico – great assist, great run and I didn’t have to do a lot’. Maybe that’s me being old-school.

🗣️ Arne Slot on Hugo Ekitike’s sending off:

“I think I said when I got my red card against Everton, that’s always stupid.

“…I’m old-fashioned. I’m 47, and old, maybe. I haven’t played at this level but I did score a few goals, and if I’d scored a goal like this, I would have… pic.twitter.com/7JBFlhuhIF

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 23, 2025

“It was stupid, not smart in every sense. The good thing is that his team-mates helped him to get the win over the line, but the thing is he is now suspended for Saturday and that is far from ideal.”

Ekitike, who has scored four goals in seven matches this season, has apologised to Liverpool fans for his irresponsible action. “I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for this victory,” he wrote on Instagram.

Nonetheless, a red card can change his fortunes at the club. Ekitike is competing with Isak for a spot in the starting XI, and while he started the last English Premier League game vs Everton, he is set to miss the next one against Crystal Palace on Saturday.