Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool Striker Penalised with Salary Deduction After Red Card

Hugo Ekitike sent the Reds into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute to make it 2-1 against Southampton; however, his celebration cost him a red card.

Hugo Ekitike came on as a substitute and scored the 85th-minute winning goal. However, his celebration led to his dismissal as he received a second yellow card for removing his shirt, a mandatory booking offence.

In a moment of jubilation, the French forward forgot he was already on a yellow card and celebrated by taking off his shirt. His first yellow card, received earlier in the second half, was for dissent (punching the ball away).

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Consequently, he will be unavailable for Arne Slot's side in next weekend's match against Crystal Palace. To discipline the young player and teach him a lesson, Liverpool has decided to impose a hefty fine.

The English club has fined Hugo Ekitike two weeks' wages, meaning the Frenchman will be €600,000 poorer in the coming period.

The talented striker arrived at Anfield this summer from Frankfurt for €80,000,000. His annual gross salary is €16,000,000, or €300,000 per week.

Hugo Ekitike had shared an apology following criticism from Liverpool manager Arne Slot and vice-captain Andy Robertson, who called it "silly."

“Needless? Yes. And it was stupid,” Arne Slot said. “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 best to control your emotions. If you can’t, do it in a way that doesn’t lead to a yellow card.”

"I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my teammates for this victory!" Hugo Ekitike said.

Hugo Ekitike had a brilliant start to his Liverpool career, scoring five goals in his first eight appearances. However, he now faces a one-match suspension due to his recklessness. Adding to his woes, Alexander Isak has also joined the club, brought in to lead the Reds' attack.