How many games will Hugo Ekitike miss? Suspension rules explained after Liverpool red card
Hugo Ekitike is due to serve a suspension for Liverpool after being shown the red card in the League Cup third round tie against Southampton on Tuesday night. Alexander Isak started the match, but was substituted at half-time by Arne Slot, with Ekitike coming on as his replacement.
The substitute was booked just eight minutes into his appearance for dissent, after referee Thomas Bramall awarded a free-kick against him. Ekitike's frustration boiled over as he punched the ball away following the decision, earning himself a yellow card.
Liverpool were leading 1-0 at this point, thanks to an Isak goal just before half-time assisted by Federico Chiesa. However, Southampton managed to level the score in the 76th minute courtesy of Shea Charles, but the Reds quickly regained their lead within ten minutes, with Chiesa setting up Ekitike for a close-range finish.
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After tapping in from barely six yards out, the 23-year-old couldn't contain his excitement and immediately removed his shirt. He held it aloft, showing it to the Anfield crowd in celebration.
However, this proved to be Ekitike's final contribution to the match. Jeremie Frimpong was the first to approach Ekitike and his facial expression alone indicated that he knew what was about to happen.
Referee Bramall was also aware of the situation and promptly produced a second yellow card, sending Ekitike off with just four minutes plus added time on the clock. Despite being a man down, the Reds held on to their lead and secured their place in the fourth round.
However, the repercussions for Ekitike will spill over to Liverpool's next match, an away game against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. Regardless of whether it is a league or cup fixture, players serve red card suspensions in the subsequent domestic game.
Consequently, Ekitike will be out of action at Selhurst Park this weekend. However, the French international can make a comeback for their Champions League clash against Galatasaray in Istanbul on Tuesday and the journey to face Chelsea the following weekend.
"Needless? Yes," a fuming Reds boss Slot said post-match. "And it was stupid. The first one was already needless and to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions," said Slot.
"I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner I can maybe understand. He is like, 'This is all about me, what did I do'.
"But I am old-fashioned, I'm 47 and old. I never played at this level but did score a few goals and if I scored a goal like this, I'd have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said, 'This goal is all about you, this is not about me'.
"It's always the best to control your emotions. If you can't, do it in a way that doesn't lead to a yellow card."
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