Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike can expect to be hit in the pocket after his bizarre dismissal in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton earlier this week.
The Frenchman netted the decisive goal in the 85th minute but immediately blotted his copybook by removing his shirt in celebration and duly receiving a second yellow card from referee Thomas Bramall.
Jeremie Frimpong’s annoyance at his teammate was evident, and Chris Sutton castigated the 23-year-old for his act of ‘sheer stupidity‘ which now sees him suspended for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Liverpool expected to fine Ekitike over red card v Southampton
In the latest instalment of Liverpool Confidential for Mail Sport, Lewis Steele outlined the punishment that’s likely to be meted out to Ekitike.
The journalist reported that the Reds’ number 22 is ‘likely to be docked two weeks’ wages’, which amounts to £400,000 for him according to Capology, although the ‘biggest reprimand’ may come from his teammates, some of whom have called him out publicly over the manner of the two yellow cards.
Steele concluded that excerpt of his report by saying: ‘A mistake has been made, the punishment has been administered: Ekitike will be financially worse off but he will be richer for the experience.’
Ekitike will learn from this episode
It’s rare for a player’s actions to be condemned so bluntly in public by his teammates and coach (Arne Slot called it a ‘stupid‘ action), which highlights just how needless and silly the 23-year-old’s transgression was and how enraged his dressing room peers are with him.
The striker has publicly apologised for his actions and will have to take his medicine by sitting out the Palace game, but if nothing else, he’ll be fresher for the daunting trip to Istanbul to face Galatasaray next Tuesday.
The best way for Ekitike to atone for his midweek indiscretions is to quickly get back among the goals, something which should be well within his capabilities as he’s netted five times in his first eight matches for Liverpool, including what proved to be a Merseyside derby winner.
He’s not the first player to be sent off in head-melting circumstances – Darwin Nunez’s Anfield debut was ended prematurely for a petulant headbutt on Joachim Andersen, but the Uruguayan bounced back to earn the Kop’s affection during his three years at the club.
If the Reds’ summer signing pops up with another late winner against Galatasaray and/or Chelsea before the October international break, his needless red card from Tuesday night will immediately be forgiven.
Yes he needs to be punished but I’m sure he’s remorseful and regrets his action. And he’ll learn from the experience. His team mates and the Boss must put it behind them and move on. In a way it’s not as bad as Nunez whose headbutt received a straight red for violent conduct, though not without provocation. I’d put it down to youthful exuberance, nothing sinister in Ekitike’s case.
Agreed, Nick.
There’s different climate in the air at the moment.
The powers that be are using sport and the rules of sport to convey the general principle that the world needs to pull its socks up and start behaving more responsibly to others.
Back when Nuñez butted the Blades’ (?) player that was winding him up, he was used to such tactics within his Portugal/Uruguayan playing background.
It was all he knew and was taught.
He’s come a long way since that.
He’s shown he’s dropped much of that selfish behaviour and has been generous and honorable towards LFC since he left.
Hugo’s a different character.
He apologised immediately after the game.
He’s young, emotional and he’s been affected by the players of his youth that he idolised who liked to showboat.
That’s completely understandable.
When a culture becomes the norm, kids will copy it.
He’s now playing for a different kind of club.
LFC have aspirations to be the world’s best.
That requires the highest discipline in behaviour to create role models, not only to other players at other clubs and levels, but also to the fans and how they conduct themselves in their jobs and relationships.
Yes, it’s a harsh fine considering, but pro rata his wages, I’m sure he won’t go broke.
It’s not his boss or teammates that should put it behind them.
They already have, I’m sure. They’ll have seen it all before.
He should by changing his future behaviour with honesty, selflessness and humility.
Chiesa has been exemplary. His snub on his UCL omission must’ve hurt, but he still kept played “team first”.
It now looks like fate will reward him.