Fans at Anfield on 23/8 experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. They erupted when record signing Alexander Isak scored his first goal, then were deflated when Wataru Endo's error allowed Southampton to equalize.

Hugo Ekitike takes his shirt off to celebrate the winning goal...

...Then receives a red card during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Southampton in the third round of the League Cup at Anfield, Merseyside, England on 23/9/2025. _Photo: Reuters_

The excitement peaked in the 85th minute when Euro 2020 champion Federico Chiesa beat the offside trap to receive a long pass from Liverpool's half. Instead of shooting, the Italian midfielder squared the ball to Hugo Ekitike for a simple tap-in, securing a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.

The French forward, overcome with emotion, forgot he was already on a yellow card. He took off his shirt and held it aloft towards the crowd, mirroring Lionel Messi's iconic celebration in Barcelona's La Liga win against Real Madrid in 2017.

Consequently, Ekitike received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and a suspension for the next match against Crystal Palace in the sixth round of the Premier League on 27/9. After the match, manager Arne Slot criticized his player for the "unnecessary and foolish" red card.

*More to follow

Hong Duy