Arne Slot left with major headache as Hugo Ekitike SENT OFF for ridiculous reason

Hugo Ekitike saw red for removing his shirt as he celebrated his late, late winning goal for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, leaving the Premier League champions with a striker dilemma ahead of the weekend.

Ekitike scored in the 85th minute to make it 2-1 to the Reds, who had taken the lead through Alexander Isak in the first half before Shea Charles levelled for the Saints. But the Frenchman was shown a second yellow card by referee Thomas Bramall for removing his shirt in the aftermath, meaning he will be suspended when Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Ekitike's red card means that Arne Slot could be forced to hand Isak a start against the Eagles. However, the Dutchman has already stressed that Liverpool's new £125million signing is not ready to play for long periods consistently after effectively missing out on pre-season at Newcastle due to the stand-off over his future.

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Slot may have no choice, however, but to hand the Sweden international another start on Saturday with Ekitike now unavailable.

Ekitike's late dismissal was the only blot as Liverpool made it seven wins in all competitions, maintaining their 100 per cent start to the new season. Ekitike has played a vital part in their fine form, scoring five goals in eight games.

The Reds striker was slammed by Chris Sutton, who was analysing the night's Carabao Cup games for BBC Radio 5 Live. He said: "For Ekitike to get a second yellow card for that (taking his shirt off) is just sheer stupidity, and he'll now miss the league game against Crystal Palace.

"He's been such an important player for Liverpool so far this season, what a start to his Liverpool career, important goal this evening, but that's not great for Arne Slot if he's sitting out the game at the weekend."

Jobi McAnuff, also speaking on 5 Live, branded his sending off 'ridiculous', saying: "It's absolutely ridiculous. Everybody knows the rules by now. Listen I'm all for emotion and passion and getting caught up in the moment, but that wasn't really it.

"It's a routine goal, the ball comes across to him, a simple finish. I just don't know what's gone through his head here to take off his shirt and hold it up to the crowd as well. No need to do that."

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