Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has apologised to fans after being sent off for an overzealous celebration during the League Cup third-round win over Southampton at Anfield.
The 23-year-old Frenchman came off the bench to score an 85th-minute winner, sealing a 2-1 victory, but earned a second yellow card for removing his shirt and holding it up to the crowd. He had earlier been booked for dissent.
“I was so excited… the emotion got the better of me tonight,” Ekitike wrote on Instagram. “My apologies to all the Red family.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot called the incident “needless” and “stupid,” saying Ekitike should have celebrated with provider Federico Chiesa, whose assist created the goal.
The £69 million summer signing will now miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, a setback as he competes with record signing Alexander Isak for a starting role.
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