Liverpool's new signing, Hugo Ekitike, has issued an apology following his sending-off in the EFL Cup match against Southampton. The incident occurred after he scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory, after which he removed his shirt in celebration, resulting in a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal from the game.

Ekitike's sending off occurred during Liverpool's League Cup clash with Southampton on Tuesday night. The forward has had an impressive start to his Liverpool career, netting his fifth goal for the club during the third-round tie. After scoring against Southampton, Ekitike removed his shirt and held it up to the Anfield crowd. Unfortunately for him, he had already been booked earlier in the match and therefore committed a second bookable offense.

The young Frenchman's exuberance was short-lived, as referee Thomas Bramall brandished the second yellow card, leading to an immediate red. Despite being down to ten men, Liverpool managed to hold on to their lead and secure a spot in the fourth round of the competition.

Following the match, Ekitike took to social media to express his regret for the incident. While the specific wording of his apology wasn't available in the search results, reports confirm that he did acknowledge his mistake and the impact it had on the team.

Manager Arne Slot was critical of Ekitike's actions, labeling them "a pointless and stupid action". Slot further elaborated that the first booking, which was for dissent, also stemmed from a lack of emotional control. He deemed the shirtless celebration unnecessary, especially considering the nature of the goal – a close-range finish into an empty net.

The red card means that Ekitike will now serve a suspension, ruling him out of Liverpool's upcoming Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. However, he will be available for selection for the Champions League match against Galatasaray and the subsequent league game against Chelsea.

The incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some arguing that the referee should have shown more leniency, considering the context of the celebration and the importance of the goal. Others have pointed out that the rules are clear, and Ekitike was aware of the consequences of his actions.

Ekitike joined Liverpool in the summer of 2025, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported fee of €80 million. The 23-year-old has quickly established himself as a valuable member of the squad, scoring five goals in his first eight appearances. His absence against Crystal Palace will undoubtedly be felt, but he will be looking to make amends upon his return.