Steven Gerrard criticizes Mario Balotelli for ripping ball from Jordan Henderson

Liverpool’s captain Steven Gerrard labeled Italian striker Mario Balotelli ‘disrespectful’ following penalty incident

Liverpool beat Turkish side Besiktas 1-0 in the Europa League today. The match took place in Anfield and was a rather dull affair with Liverpool dominating possession throughout the 90 minutes.

It seemed to be petering out to a goalless draw before teenager Jordan Ibe broke behind the the Besiktas defense before being taken down in the box, the referee didn’t hesitate in awarding the penalty.

That is when the drama kicked off.  Jordan Henderson, who was Liverpool’s captain for the game due to Steven Gerrard being injured, picked up the ball to take the spot kick. Mario Balotelli walked over and took the ball from his captain and the two had a brief discussion as Daniel Sturridge seemed very displeased.

Gerrard who was doing some commentary on British TV station ITV apparently criticized his striker for taking the ball from Henderson. This is yet another bullet point of controversy to add to Balotelli’s ever growing list of incidents.

Luckily for Mario and everyone that was cheering for Liverpool, the Italian stepped up and smoothly passed the ball in to the goal.

Liverpool finished out as 1-0 winners, they play Besiktas in the second leg of the round of 32 next week in Turkey. If a penalty is awarded next week it will be very interesting to see who steps up to take it.

Henderson downplayed the incident between him and Balotelli.

H/T 101 Great Goals

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