Hugo Ekitike received a red card for celebrating a goal: why it angered the coach.

Controversial incident with Ekitike's goal

According to The Sun: It is quite unfortunate that Hugo Ekitike received a red card after taking off his shirt during his goal celebration.

This rule, which foresees yellow cards, was established by the International Football Association to avoid delays in the game and to maintain the calmness of sports battles.

The Liverpool forward left his coach in despair due to his actions Reuters

It seems that this rule is utterly nonsensical. Who could it possibly harm?

Of course, if there are offensive or political messages hidden under the shirt, such actions could be understandable.

I recall how Paul Tate in the 1995 League Cup final, after scoring a goal for Birmingham, celebrated by taking off his shirt that said: “Birmingham City f**ks Villa”.

That's when one could talk about punishment!

But when a player scores a goal, emotions run high — it’s perfectly natural for him to raise his shirt above his head! It’s just the joy of the moment.

I also took off my shirt when I scored a goal for Watford against Leicester in the playoff semi-final.

To be honest, I was pleased that I didn’t receive another yellow card, as I jumped into the crowd afterward!

TIPS AND BETS FOR THE RYDER CUP 2025

But punishing players for this — is essentially hindering emotions in the game, making it less lively, and simultaneously reducing the thrill of football — from goals!

Instead, if they could just impose fines after matches, it could prevent absurd send-offs, like in Ekitike's case, who already received a warning in the match against Southampton.

id='6380138502112' data-video-id='6380138502112' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.6:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id='' controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'>

Many people would gladly pay for such an opportunity, even if it could tempt some to avoid costs.

It’s really interesting, especially considering that there are no issues with swapping shirts after the match.

What’s the difference? Where are all the great celebrations? Right now, we only have a few popular options.

The mask of Viktor Gyokeres, Erling Haaland’s meditation, Kylian Mbappe’s crossed arms, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s spinning jump with the shout: “Siu!”.

All these celebrations have become quite boring. Can’t the football world wake up and come up with something more interesting — or bring back old exciting tricks?

Robbie Keane and Obafemi Martins put on quite a show. Where has all that gone?

It’s really sad because the game is losing its colorful face — there’s a lack of personalities trying to bring something new and interesting for the fans.

Coach's reaction to Ekitike's actions

Coach Arne Slot commented on Ekitike's foolish stunt against Southampton, calling it 'stupid'. He was furious as the player turned his goal into a personal spectacle — and he has two reasons for that.

Firstly, he is trying to keep Ekitike grounded, knowing that soon he will have to substitute him when Alexander Isak comes back into shape. He cannot allow the player to feel like the 'king of the Copa' and then end up on the bench. This is a matter of controlling his emotions this season.

Secondly, Slot understands that Isak is currently not ready to play a full 90 minutes, so Ekitike's absence is a serious blow for the team.

Getty

Now, who should take the field instead of Ekitike? Federico Chiesa is a decent addition, but is he ready for the challenge?

Slot realizes that Liverpool is not in the best form, even though they sit atop the league, and they need to train actively. Some may consider his reaction harsh — but I understand why he is so frustrated.

This is just a reminder from the coach to the player: 'Come on, I need you. And don’t forget about humility.'