Hugo Ekitiké was shown a second yellow card in the victory against Southampton — but which game will the Frenchman miss?—Drama at Anfield: Ekitiké’s red card momentLiverpool faced Southampton in the Carabao Cup third-round, with the match already tense after changes and substitutions. ⚽ Alexander Isak got the Reds off to a bright start, but Southampton struck back through Shea Charles.Then came the moment of ecstasy — and despair. Hugo Ekitiké, who had come on at halftime, tapped in a late winner to make it 2–1. But in the heat of celebration, he removed his shirt. That proved costly: he was already on a yellow, and the shirt removal earned him a second booking and an immediate red card.His first yellow had come earlier — for dissent, punching the ball away after a free kick was awarded to Southampton.After scoring, in a moment of emotional overdrive, he peeled off his shirt — a clear violation of the rules. Liverpool boss Arne Slot didn’t mince his words, calling the act “stupid and needless.”—How long is the ban?The verdict: one match. Liverpool confirmed via the Premier League (and Fantasy Premier League) that his red-card suspension carries over into the Premier League, meaning he will miss the next fixture, not the next cup match.So despite it being in the Carabao Cup, Ekitiké will sit out Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League tie against Crystal Palace.—Impact: what it means for Liverpool & EkitikéFor Liverpool: Losing Ekitiké for a Premier League fixture is a blow. The striker has been impactful since joining, and with Alexander Isak still working his match fitness, Slot now must reshuffle.For Ekitiké: The red card is a harsh lesson in emotional control. While his goal sealed a cup progression, he now pays the price in a league match. Managerial critique suggests the club expects better decision-making from here on.—Final verdictBan length: 1 matchMatch missed: Liverpool’s Premier League fixture vs. Crystal PalaceLesson: Even in ecstasy, players must stay aware — that shirt removal rule is unforgiving.
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