Hugo Ekitike got red carded for removing his shirt after scoring, missing next game, while Liverpool won 2-1 in Carabao Cup.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot criticized Hugo Ekitike’s red card in a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton, calling the dismissal “stupid” and “needless” after Ekitike was shown a second yellow for removing his shirt in celebration. The 23-year-old, who scored the winning goal, will miss Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League match at Crystal Palace. Slot emphasized the importance of emotional control and sportsmanship, urging Ekitike to acknowledge teammates. Ekitike apologized on Instagram, admitting emotion got the better of him. The match also saw 18-year-old debutant Giovanni Leoni suffer a serious knee injury and be stretchered off. Despite the setbacks, Alexander Isak scored his first goal for the club, and Liverpool maintained their strong start to the season.