Hugo Ekitike's recent red card in Liverpool's 2-1 Carabao Cup win against Southampton is reportedly costing him a significant amount, potentially two weeks' wages. The incident occurred after Ekitike, who came on as a substitute, scored the winning goal in the 85th minute. Overcome with excitement, he removed his shirt in celebration, earning a second yellow card and an early exit from the match.

The red card has drawn criticism from Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, who described the incident as "needless" and "stupid". Slot pointed out that Ekitike had already received a yellow card for dissent earlier in the game, compounding the error. The manager questioned the forward's emotional control and decision-making, suggesting he should have focused on thanking teammate Federico Chiesa for the assist instead of engaging in a celebratory display.

Ekitike, who joined Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £69 million deal in the summer of 2025, has quickly become a key player for the Reds. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to his Liverpool career, scoring three goals in his first five Premier League appearances. However, his recent actions have overshadowed his positive contributions and led to disciplinary action from the club.

According to multiple reports, Liverpool is likely to fine Ekitike two weeks' wages for the red card. While the exact figure varies across reports, it is estimated that Ekitike's weekly wage is between £250,000 and £267,000. This means the red card blunder could cost him between £500,000 and £534,000.

Ekitike has since apologized for his actions, acknowledging that "the emotion got the better of me". He expressed remorse to the "Red family" and thanked the fans and his teammates for their support. Despite the apology, the financial penalty and one-match suspension stand.

The suspension means Ekitike will miss Liverpool's upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace. This absence provides an opportunity for other players, such as Alexander Isak, to step up and prove their worth to the team. Isak, who scored Liverpool's first goal against Southampton, is now in line to start against Crystal Palace.

Ekitike's red card serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and emotional control in professional football. While passion and excitement are part of the game, players are expected to maintain composure and avoid unnecessary actions that could harm the team. For Ekitike, this incident is a learning experience that will hopefully help him mature and become a more disciplined player in the future.