Mario Balotelli showed disrespect to Henderson - Steven Gerrard

21.02.2015 12:03

Steven Gerrard accused Mario Balotelli of showing "disrespect" by taking Liverpool's winning penalty against Besiktas ahead of Jordan Henderson.

Balotelli scored from the spot in Thursday's Europa League last-32 tie at Anfield to secure a 1-0 first-leg win.

That came after a disagreement with captain Henderson and Daniel Sturridge over who should take it.

Gerrard said: "Henderson is the captain and Balotelli showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there."

The midfielder, who is currently injured, was working as a pundit on ITV's coverage of the game.

Gerrard said that Balotelli was being "a bit mischievous" after the Italian striker took the ball off Henderson, who was set to to take the spot kick.

Henderson stood in as Liverpool's captain against Besiktas, and Gerrard believes he should have taken the penalty.

"Rules are rules," he said. "Credit to Mario, he's scored, but it's not nice to see when footballers are arguing. I think Jordan has handled the situation very well."

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would not clarify who should have taken the penalty after the game.

With less than 10 minutes to go, the impressive Jordon Ibe was fouled inside the area and referee Szymon Marciniak immediately awarded the penalty.

Henderson picked up the ball and walked towards the spot...

What now boss?

...Balotelli took the ball from Henderson and appeared to get in a disagreement with both the Liverpool midfielder and striker Daniel Sturridge. Henderson looked over to the bench...

I've only missed two

...Balotelli had scored 26 of his 28 penalties before Thursday's game and appeared determined to take the spot kick, placing the ball on the penalty spot...

(BBC)

ANN.Az

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