Ekitike says sorry to Liverpool supporters following foolish sending off

Hugo Ekitike has issued an apology to Liverpool supporters after receiving a red card for taking off his shirt in celebration of his late winning goal against Southampton in the League Cup, an action described as "stupid" by coach Arne Slot.

The 23 year old recent arrival netted Federico Chiesa's pass with five minutes remaining to secure a 2-1 victory against the second division side, as Liverpool once again staged a dramatic comeback at Anfield on Tuesday evening.

The French striker came on at half time in place of the £125 million ($168 million) record signing Alexander Isak from Britain, who had netted his debut goal for the team.

Ekitike's initial action on the pitch resulted in a yellow card for swatting the ball away in annoyance.

Although Shea Charles levelled the score, Ekitike struck the decisive goal in the 85th minute, racing to the corner flag, pulling off his jersey and displaying it to the photographers.

Referee Thomas Bramall was compelled to show a second yellow, leading to his dismissal, which means the striker will sit out the Premier League frontrunners' away match at Crystal Palace this Saturday.

The embarrassed Ekitike, who joined the club in July for £69 million, admitted he became overwhelmed.

"I felt immense excitement this evening to contribute to the team's success with another triumph at our home ground in my debut Carabao Cup encounter," he shared on Instagram.

"The emotions overtook me this time," he continued. "I am sorry to the entire Red community."

Liverpool's head coach Slot was far from pleased, calling Ekitike's conduct during the third round fixture "unnecessary" and "foolish".

"I explained to him that if you net in the Champions League final at the 87th minute after beating three defenders and curling it into the top corner, perhaps I could comprehend," he remarked.

"He acted as if it was solely about him and questioned his actions.

"However, I am traditional at 47 years old. I never reached this level but managed a few goals myself, and had I scored like that, I would have spun around, approached Federico Chiesa and declared, 'This goal belongs to you, not me'."

Ekitike has begun the campaign strongly, scoring three times in five Premier League appearances.

Yet he faces stiff competition for a starting position up front alongside Isak, and cannot afford absences, especially with the Swedish player keen to establish himself.