Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved to quash persistent rumours that Hugo Ekitike was hit with a substantial fine for his needless red card in the Carabao Cup.
🚨❌ Arne Slot denies reports on Hugo Ekitike getting a fine: “Hugo didn’t get any fine. I spoke to him. He said sorry straight away to his team-mates”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 26, 2025
“You are allowed at this club to make a mistake without getting fined. He’s young, he’s a fantastic human being”. pic.twitter.com/LPcHRl6s9v
The Dutchman confirmed that the reports of a two-week wage fine were false, stating that the 23-year-old French striker is "allowed to make a mistake" at the club without immediately facing financial penalties.
Ekitike was dismissed for removing his shirt while celebrating the winner against Southampton, having already been booked earlier in the game.
The manager’s comments come ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, which Ekitike will miss due to suspension.
Slot's defence of his player highlights a supportive and modern approach to management, contrasting sharply with the "high standards" narrative often seen at other clubs.
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The truth behind the fine rumours
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot was clear that while Ekitike’s actions were "needless and stupid," the club would not punish him financially for the error.
Slot said, “Disciplined means a fine, which he didn’t get. I spoke to him. He said sorry straight away to his teammates, he is young and players of all ages make mistakes and you are allowed at this club to make a mistake without getting fined.”
The manager also offered a strong defence of Ekitike’s character, calling him a "fantastic human being" and one of the "top three warmest, most polite people" at the club.
What the decision reveals about Liverpool's culture
Slot's decision not to fine Ekitike speaks volumes about the culture he is looking to establish at Anfield.
The manager believes that the disapproval of Ekitike’s teammates is a sufficient sanction and that the young player has already learned his lesson.
Slot stated that the internal reaction was immediate, with the striker recognizing his error straight away.
The decision is a subtle jab at the prevailing managerial philosophies elsewhere in the Premier League, where public gestures of 'discipline' are often used to show control.
Slot has opted for a pragmatic and supportive approach, allowing the 23-year-old to focus on his football.
Ekitike will return to the squad for the Champions League clash against Galatasaray next Tuesday, where he will have the perfect opportunity to prove he has learned his lesson.
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