Ekitike’s red card blunder opens door for Isak as Liverpool eye Palace clash

Sports

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has apologised after being sent off in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, describing his celebration as an “emotional mistake.” The 22-year-old striker scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute of the 2-1 win but removed his shirt in celebration, forgetting he had already been booked earlier in the match. The second yellow card meant dismissal, leaving Liverpool to finish the game with 10 men.

“I was so excited… the emotion got the better of me,” Ekitike wrote on social media. “My apologies to the Red family, my team-mates and the fans.”

Manager Arne Slot branded the incident “stupid” and admitted the suspension is “far from ideal” ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. Signed for £69m from Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike has made a strong start with four goals in seven games. His suspension, however, could open the door for record signing Alexander Isak, who is steadily returning to full fitness after a carefully managed introduction. Isak, who scored against Southampton before being substituted at half-time, said he feels “good and ready to make a difference” as he pushes for his first Premier League start.