Liverpool star Ekitike 'facing double punishment' after red card in Carabao Cup

HUGO EKITIKE is staring down a double bubble punishment following his sending off against Southampton.

Ekitike , 22, went from hero to instant zero when he scored the winning goal during Liverpool 's Carabao Cup third round victory over Southampton only to take off his shirt and get sent off seconds later.

3 Hugo Ekitike was sent off against Southampton and will be suspended for this weekend's Premier League clash at Crystal Palace Credit: Reuters

3 But Liverpool are also set to dock the ace two weeks of his wages Credit: PA

The act left both team-mates and manager Arne Slot seething at the "stupid" decision as the Reds played the remaining minutes against the Saints with just 10-men.

As a result, Ekitike is suspended for Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

However, the club are set to take major disciplinary action to hammer home the point.

According to the Daily Mail , Ekitike is set to be docked two weeks wages, though this is yet to be confirmed.

Speaking on the sending off following the game, raging Slot said: "It was stupid and needless.

"I was surprised at how he celebrated and, even worse, he took his shirt off.

"If I scored a goal like he did, I would have turned around and pointed at Federico Chiesa for the assist. Maybe I’m old school.

"It was stupid, not smart. He’s suspended for Saturday — and that’s not ideal."

Liverpool veteran Andrew Robertson also let rip, adding: "His first one is stupidity, kicking the ball away, we know the rules.

"Two silly bookings but he’s only young and will learn from it.

"I’d be very surprised if he does it again."

Ekitike's suspension is set to give record Premier League signing Alexander Isak a full Premier League debut for Liverpool.

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