French-Cameroonian striker Hugo Ekitike earns Rooney’s praise for ‘raw emotion’ despite red card

Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney has praised Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike for showing “raw emotion” after scoring a dramatic late winner in the EFL Cup against Southampton, calling the moment “refreshing” despite the red card it earned him.

Rooney said the French forward’s celebration, which drew a second yellow card, was a rare display of genuine passion in modern football.

Ekitike, who was born in France to Cameroonian parents, struck a decisive goal at Anfield but was immediately sent off for removing his shirt during the celebration.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the act as “needless” and “stupid” in his post-match comments but opted against fining the summer signing after he apologised to teammates.

Speaking on his BBC show, Rooney said the 23-year-old’s exuberance stood out in an era where players often hesitate to celebrate goals due to VAR delays and competition fatigue.

“Do you not think that’s refreshing, though? We’ve criticized teams for not playing strong teams and not wanting to really compete in the League Cup,” he said.

“You’ve got a player who’s just come in to Liverpool, playing really well, scoring goals, he’s showing that passion and emotion of scoring a late goal in the League Cup. I think that’s quite refreshing really for where the cup competitions have been in recent years.”

Rooney added that while the celebration was “silly,” he admired the authenticity of the moment.

“He’s been caught up in the emotion of scoring a goal, and he’ll probably regret it now, but I think it’s nice to see that raw emotion when someone scores,” he said.

With Ekitike suspended, Slot will turn to fellow new arrival Alexander Isak for Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Crystal Palace this weekend, as the Reds aim to extend their unbeaten start to the season.