EK IS JAMMER

HUGO Ekitike has apologised to Liverpool fans after he was sent off for removing his shirt following his late League Cup winner against Southampton – a celebration labelled “stupid” by manager Arne Slot.

The 23-year-old new signing slid home Federico Chiesa’s pass five minutes from time to seal a 2-1 win over second-tier Southampton as Liverpool produced another late show at Anfield on Tuesday.

The France forward had replaced £125 million (R2.9 billion) British-record signing Alexander Isak at half-time after the Sweden international opened his account for the club.

Ekitike’s first involvement was to be booked for punching the ball away in frustration.

Shea Charles equalised, but Ekitike scored the winner in the 85th minute – wheeling away to the corner flag and removing his shirt before holding it up for the cameras.

Referee Thomas Bramall had no option but to issue a second caution followed by a red card, meaning the forward will be suspended for the Premier League leaders’ trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

A shame-faced Ekitike, who signed for the club in July for £69m, said he had got carried away.

Ekitike posted on Instagram: “I was so excited tonight [Tuesday] to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first League Cup match.

“The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family.”

Liverpool baas Slot was distinctly unimpressed, labelling Ekitike’s behaviour “needless” and “stupid”.

Meanwhile, Chelsea survived a scare to beat third-tier Lincoln 2-1, with Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte scoring for the Blues.