Ekitike scored a late goal for The Reds in their EFL Cup win over Southampton earlier this week. His goal was overlooked however as his celebration, in which he took his shirt off, led to a second yellow card led to him being sent off.
Manager Arne Slot said it was "needless" and "stupid" in his post-match press conference but decided not to fine the striker after he apologized. Despite Slot’s words, Rooney spoke on his BBC show about how his emotion was great to see.
"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.
"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.
"I get it, I'm not defending him because it is silly. But what we’ve seen over recent years with VAR and players scoring goals and waiting to celebrate and stuff, I think it’s refreshing to see someone celebrating a goal.
"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."
After his suspension, Slot will have to rely on fellow summer signing Alexander Isak this weekend as Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace who will hope to maintain their unbeaten streak.