Federico Chiesa unseen Hugo Ekitike red card reaction spoke volumes about Liverpool star

Federico Chiesa had an unseen reaction that perfectly mirrored the sentiments of every Liverpool fan following Hugo Ekitike's red card in the midweek clash with Southampton. The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker has made a fantastic start to his career in Merseyside.

Despite Liverpool bringing Alexander Isak into their squad on deadline day, Ekitike has managed to keep the ex-Newcastle United player out of the team with his consistent performances. On Tuesday night, Isak was chosen over Ekitike and justified Arne Slot's selection by puttingLiverpool ahead against the Saints.

However, his playing time was carefully managed, and he was substituted at half-time for the Frenchman. Southampton gave the hosts a fright when Shea Charles levelled the score, leaving it up to Ekitike to save the day.

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And he did just that, tapping into an open goal to send Anfield into ecstasy. But the joy quickly turned to frustration when Ekitike impulsively took off his shirt to celebrate.

Forgetting that he had already been booked earlier in the half, Ekitike was swiftly shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving the Reds to finish the game with ten men. At the time, many noticed Jeremie Frimpong questioning Ekitike's actions, but few caught Chiesa's reaction.

In a photograph shared by a supporter on social media, the Italian could be seen placing his head on Southampton's Joshua Quarshie's chest as he came to terms with his teammate's departure. Luckily for Ekitike, his colleagues managed to secure the win and will now meet Crystal Palace in the fourth round.

By chance, Palace happen to be the Reds' adversaries on Saturday and Ekitike will be absent for today's match. Since the red card occurred in the Carabao Cup, the suspension carries over into the Premier League.

When questioned about sanctions for Ekitike, Slot confirmed that no fine had been imposed on the player. "Disciplined means I spoke to him but if 'disciplined' means a fine, we didn't do that," the Dutchman revealed.

"It wasn't smart what he did, he recognised that straight away and said sorry to his teammates. Players of all ages do make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without immediately getting fines.

"He is a fantastic human being, if you speak to all staff members and ask them their warmest human beings, he would be in the top three. He wasn't smart, didn't hurt us on Tuesday, might tomorrow, the positive is Federico Chiesa [can return]."

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