Liverpool players have forgiven Hugo Ekitike following the striker’s red card during last month’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Southampton. The forward was shown a yellow card for dissent just eight minutes after coming off the bench when referee Thomas Bramall gave a free-kick against him. In his frustration, Ekitike struck the ball away, earning the caution.
Alexander Isak had put the visitors ahead before Shea Charles equalised, but the Reds restored their advantage within ten minutes. Federico Chiesa provided the assist for Ekitike to tap in from close range and the 23-year-old’s emotions got the better of him. He immediately removed his shirt and held it aloft, parading it before the Anfield faithful.
Jeremie Frimpong was first to reach him, his face revealing he understood what would follow. Bramall swiftly brandished a second yellow card with merely four minutes plus stoppage time left.
Ekitike offered his apologies to his colleagues in the changing room, and according to The Athletic, his apology was accepted. They bore no grudge and everyone moved forward.
The France international let his emotions run wild after netting the decisive goal and suffered the consequences with a one-match suspension, temporarily forgetting he was already cautioned.
At the time, Reds head coach Arne Slot confirmed that Ekitike avoided a financial penalty despite speculation that he could be internally fined.
The Dutch head coach said: “Disciplined means I spoke to him but if ‘disciplined’ means a fine, we didn’t do that.
“It wasn’t smart what he did, he recognised that straight away and said sorry to his team-mates.
“Players of all ages do make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without immediately getting fines.
“He is a fantastic human being, if you speak to all staff members and ask them their warmest human beings, he would be in the top three.
“He wasn’t smart, didn’t hurt us on Tuesday, might tomorrow.”