Steven Gerrard accused Mario Balotelli of showing disrespect to Liverpool’s stand-in captain, Jordan Henderson, by taking the penalty that clinched a Europa League victory over Besiktas.
Balotelli scored the 85th-minute spot-kick to give Brendan Rodgers’ team a slender 1-0 lead to take to Istanbul next week, but only after a dispute with Henderson and Daniel Sturridge over who should take it. Rodgers refused to comment on the controversy after the game or even confirm Henderson was Liverpool’s designated penalty-taker in the absence of the hamstrung Gerrard.
The club captain was more forthcoming in his role as an ITV pundit at Anfield, however, and criticised his Italian team-mate for insisting on the responsibility. Balotelli has now scored 27 of 29 penalties in his career but Gerrard said: “Jordan should have taken the penalty. Rules are rules. It should have been Henderson. Mario has been a bit mischievous.
“Credit to Mario, he’s scored,” he added. “But it’s not nice to see when footballers are arguing. I think Jordan has handled the situation very well. He can see that Mario really wanted to score.
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Well, for me...it was sheer confidence on Balotelli's part and he really wanted to score. And in times of records....he is a prolific and a better penalty taker than all others on the field. At least he got the winning goal. Good job super Mario!!!!
Gerard is trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill.. J Henderson did not complain.. what is his own.. Balotelli begged the guy and he accepted... and to Gerard's disappointment Balotelli scored.. when he slip and gave a cheap goal to Chelseafc last season.. he was not crucified at least not by the English press.. Balotelli... yes.. is an official bad boy... if he replies.. ah ha.. his comments will make headlines.. omo gho... let Steven G just pack his loads and live Anfield for good instead of creating division in the team.. he claimed to so much love...in the eve of his departure...lol goodluck
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