Liverpool boss Arne Slot has criticised Hugo Ekitike's "stupid" red card after the striker scored the winner in the 2-1 victory against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Ekitike received his first yellow card of the afternoon, eight minutes after replacing Alexander Isak at the half-time interval, for punching the ball away when Thomas Bramall blew for a Southampton free-kick.

The 23-year-old went on to tap home Federico Chiesa's cross in the 85th minute to restore Liverpool's lead following Shea Charles' equaliser, before then taking his shirt off while celebrating in front of the Anfield crowd.

Ekitike was sent off after being given his second yellow card of the evening and will miss Saturday's fixture against an unbeaten Crystal Palace side.

Speaking after the game, Slot said: "Needle

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