Hugo Ekitike deserves Liverpool superb for ‘mind fart’ regardless of breaking laughable rule
Hugo Ekitike needs to prove he can learn from mistakes like the one he made against Southampton – he should be fined for breaking a rule that’s laughable in the first place
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.
The rule itself is downright farcical – but what does that make a footballer who is still unable to adhere to it?
Arne Slot has delivered the understatement of the season so far, when it comes to describing the behaviour of Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike. “It was stupid, not smart in every sense”, said Slot, when discussing the red card Ekitike engineered for himself during his side’s Carabao Cup win against Southampton at Anfield.
To recap. Having replaced Alexander Isak, Ekitike wasted no time in getting himself booked for throwing the ball in the air like a petulant child. Then, having scored a late winner, decided that it made complete sense to take his shirt off in front of the Kop.
The end result was a second booking, and a card the same colour as the item he’d just removed. It was the sort of brain fart a certain Mario Balotelli used to suffer on a regular basis. And look what happened to him?
The fact we live in a world in which a footballer can escape without punishment for diving, or mouthing off at a referee, but get booked for removing his shirt, is laughable in the first place.
But rules are rules. So the bloke who has made a blistering start to his Liverpool career has now ruined some of his progress because he cannot control his emotions.
Slot should fine him two weeks’ wages. Although this often proves a futile act, considering how rich these players are.
But Ekitike’s real punishment will come this weekend, when he is forced to sit out his side’s game with Crystal Palace.
The challenge of keeping his place ahead of record signing Isak was hard enough to begin with. But it’s now become much tougher. And whose fault is that? Ekitike has apologised, putting it down to excitement.
But the best thing he can do is prove to supporters, not to mention Slot, he is someone capable of learning from his mistakes. Slot added: “I’d be very surprised if he does it again. He’s young and he will learn from it. I’m sure he won’t do it again.”
Message to Arne – when it comes to footballers – presume nothing.
