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Hugo Ekitike was sent off after scoring Liverpool's 2-1 winner in last month's League Cup third-round tie against Southampton

Liverpool players do not hold Hugo Ekitike's red card against him after the striker was sent off in last month's League Cup third-round tie against Southampton. Just eight minutes after coming on, the substitute received a yellow card for dissent when referee Thomas Bramall awarded a free-kick against him.

Frustrated by the decision, Ekitike punched the ball away, prompting the booking. Alexander Isak's opener was cancelled out by Shea Charles, but the Reds regained their lead within ten minutes.

Federico Chiesa set up Ekitike for a close-range finish and the 23-year-old could not contain his excitement. The French forward instantly took off his shirt and raised it high, displaying in front of the Anfield crowd in celebration.

Jeremie Frimpong was the first to approach him, and his expression alone made it clear he knew what was coming next. Bramall quickly showed him a second yellow card with just four minutes plus added time remaining.

Ekitike apologised to his teammates in the dressing room, and according to The Athletic, his apology was accepted - they didn't hold it against him and all moved on.

The France international got carried away after scoring the winner and paid the price with a one-match ban, momentarily forgetting he was already on a booking.

At the time, Reds head coach Arne Slot revealed Ekitike escaped a fine. The Dutch head coach said: "Disciplined means I spoke to him but if 'disciplined' means a fine, we didn't do that.

"It wasn't smart what he did, he recognised that straight away and said sorry to his team-mates.

"Players of all ages do make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without immediately getting fines.

"He is a fantastic human being, if you speak to all staff members and ask them their warmest human beings, he would be in the top three.

"He wasn't smart, didn't hurt us on Tuesday, might tomorrow."

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