Liverpool manager Arne Slot has denied reports that the English club had imposed an internal penalty on Hugo Ekitike for his red card in the Carabao Cup match against Southampton.
The French international scored the winning goal for the Reds in the dying minutes against Southampton, then celebrated by taking off his shirt, receiving a second yellow card and being sent off, in a move Slot himself described as “very stupid” and incomprehensible.
Because of this red card, Ekitike will miss Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Rumors have circulated that Liverpool have decided to punish him with a two-week pay cut and a severe reprimand from Slot and his coaching staff in the dressing room.
The Dutchman responded to these rumors by confirming that they are baseless, saying, “No punishment has been imposed on Hugo. I spoke to him, and he immediately apologized to me and his teammates.”
He added, “You can make a mistake at this club and not be punished. He’s a young player and a very good person.”
The 23-year-old Ekitike joined Liverpool last summer for €95 million and has made eight appearances for the Reds so far, scoring five goals and providing one assist.
In the Frenchman’s absence, Alexander Isak, the most expensive player in Premier League history, is expected to make his first start for Liverpool in the league, having started against Southampton and scored his first goal for the Reds.
