With Liverpool losing in embarrassing fashion against Man City, Hugo Ekitike was spotted swapping shirts with his national compatriot mid-game while his side were 4-0 down.
In the grand scheme of things, is Ekitike swapping shirts the reason Liverpool lost? Absolutely not. But is it symptomatic of the disconnect of modern footballers? Yes.
Ekitike, much like his teammates, started positively at the Etihad, but crumbled when adversity came and was subsequently substituted in the 68th minute with his side losing 4-0.
Rayan Cherki really put on Hugo Ekitike’s jersey after being substituted ?
He was quick to be told off by a Manchester City staff member behind him…
? Emirates FA Cup. Live & Exclusive on Stan Sport.#StanSportAU #FACup pic.twitter.com/ckGunwr847
— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) April 4, 2026
It was another new low for Liverpool, and Ekitike’s decision to swap shirts with French teammate Rayan Cherki, who was withdrawn minutes after him, was tone deaf.
It was spotted by the TV cameras as the Man City forward attempted to put it on whilst on the bench, before he was quickly told to take it off.
It was poor on Cherki’s end, but more so for Ekitike, and it did not escape the attention of Liverpool fans:
Ekitike read the room lad. Pathetic.
— Meg (@itsmeg_statham) April 4, 2026
Moments like this highlight a deeper problem with attitude and awareness in top-level football.
— Nazira Yusuf (@Nazira_Yusuf22) April 4, 2026
That is just completely pathetic from Hugo Ekitike.
— BEN (@SMXLFC) April 4, 2026
This is the example of a modern day footballer.
Disgraceful players like Ekitike who is more worried about his french mates & his dress sense than have any passion for the club.
For most fans their entire weekend is ruined. For Ekitike it’s another game.#lfc #mciliv
— Ash (@Ash_LFC7) April 4, 2026
4-0 down, players swapping shirts on the bench, fans leaving on 55 mins singing Alonsos name. This can’t go on, he can’t be allowed to carry on. Get it done now.
— PM (@____PM1O) April 4, 2026
Ekitike has swapped shirts with Cherki? At the 60th minute when we’re getting hammered 4-0?
My head is on Jupiter.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) April 4, 2026
To Ekitike, it may seem an innocent action, but the time for swapping shirts is after the full-time whistle, not while your teammates are still on the pitch experiencing the biggest defeat since 2020.
It neglects to read the room and the situation Liverpool find themselves in, and it underlines the shift at the club and the leadership that is needed at all levels.
The on-field action was embarrassing and fans made it known with their feet, leaving well in advance of the final whistle and even singing for Xabi Alonso as they left the stadium.
City fans were even chanting, “you’re getting sacked in the morning” on what was another day to forget for Liverpool, who now have a trip to Paris to prepare for.