When Hugo Ekitike took off his shirt after scoring the winner against Southampton, the roar from Anfield quickly turned to disbelief.
One moment of pure joy turned into a red-card nightmare — the French striker’s first big blunder in a Liverpool shirt. But what really happened inside the dressing room after that?
Reports suggest the atmosphere wasn’t tense at all. Despite the heat of the moment, the team reportedly handled it like professionals.
The young forward immediately apologized to his teammates, and that was the end of it. No drama. No divisions. Just a learning moment for a player still settling into life at Anfield.
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Behind the red card of Hugo Ekitike — and the reaction that followed
According to The Athletic’s James Pearce, “He apologized to his team-mates, it was accepted and they all moved on. He’s a popular figure who made a silly mistake.”
The manager, Arne Slot, also called the act “stupid” but reportedly chose not to fine him. Instead, Ekitike’s heartfelt apology and strong attitude since the incident were enough to calm things down.
Inside the dressing room, there was no finger-pointing — only laughter and reminders that it happens to the best. Apparently, a few senior players teased him lightly, telling him to “save the shirt-off moment for a cup final.”
Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £69 million, has already made a strong impression with five goals in eight appearances. His quick adaptation and positive energy have earned him respect among teammates and fans alike.
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A mistake, not a meltdown
While pundits like Chris Sutton called the incident “sheer stupidity,” Liverpool insiders view it differently. It wasn’t selfishness — just raw emotion. In a way, it showed how much the Frenchman already cares about the badge.
The suspension that followed hurt the team more than it hurt his reputation. Without him, Liverpool stumbled to defeat against Crystal Palace, and fans were reminded how valuable he’s already become.
If Ekitike finds the net against Manchester United next weekend, you can bet he’ll keep that shirt on — at least until the final whistle.