Arne Slot confirms Hugo Ekitike fine decision after private talks on Liverpool red card

Arne Slot confirmed Hugo Ekitike escaped a fine for his blunder against Southampton as the Liverpool manager sought to draw a line under the striker's Carabao Cup sending-off.

The France international saw red from referee Thomas Bramall for whipping off his shirt in celebration whilst already on a booking after netting a dramatic winner in the 2-1 triumph over the Saints on Tuesday evening.

Slot labelled the incident "needless and stupid" straight after the clash at Anfield but revealed the 23 year old hasn't been hit in the pocket for his error as the Premier League pacesetters gear up to tackle Crystal Palace without him on Saturday afternoon.

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"Disciplined means I spoke to him but if 'disciplined' means a fine, we didn't do that," Slot confirmed.

"It wasn't smart what he did, he recognised that straight away and said sorry to his team-mates.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

"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]."

Chiesa, who put on a stellar performance with two assists against the Championship side this week, will be back in the Premier League squad to fill Ekitike's void.

The Italian forward will also join the Reds' Champions League squad following the confirmation of a long-term knee injury to young defender Giovanni Leoni.

Slot commented: "We have looked into [naming Chiesa in the Champions League squad]. I cannot tell you exactly where that process is.

"That is not something I do myself. If I am informed correctly if a player has a longer than two month injury you are allowed to replace him."

Slot also shared his thoughts on Rio Ngumoha's situation after the 17 year old inked his first professional contract on Thursday, just weeks after becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club's history at 16 years and 361 days.

"The good thing is if you are a youngster playing at Liverpool there are players playing with you who are still better than you are," Slot said.

"That helps [to stay grounded] because of who he is [as a person].

"But if you play with wingers like Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa, he feels there is still a step to take.

"If he is at their level it is about being consistently really good. It is why the top players stand out."

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