Mario Balotelli penalty: Liverpool striker thanks Jordan Henderson and pleads for 'drama to stop'
The Italian took the ball from Henderson in the Reds' 1-0 win on Thursday night and took to Instagram to ask for "no drama" as the row rumbled on
Row: Balotelli in discussion with Henderson and Sturridge
Mario Balotelli has taken to Instagram to have his say on the penalty incident during Liverpool's win over Besiktas.
The Italian took the ball from the hands of stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson , to convert from the spot, giving his side a vital lead in the Europa League last 32 tie.
After the game, Steven Gerrard - who was working as a TV pundit - claimed Balotelli had broken club code , with Henderson and Daniel Sturridge clearly unimpressed by his actions.
But the 24-year-old defended himself on Instagram on Thursday night, insisting the only thing that mattered was the result.
He posted: "Thank you hendo for let me take the penalty..Stop drama now. We won that's what it count. We are a team and especially we are Liverpool. Come on guys."
Twitter/@mb459
Reds captain Gerrard was sitting out the tie through injury but felt obliged to chip in on Balotelli's actions - similar to those of Kevin Mirallas across Stanley Park earlier this season - although the Belgian failed to score.
Gerrard said: “Mario’s been a bit mischievous and gone against team codes. If he missed it could’ve been like Everton. Rules are rules and they should’ve been adhered to.
“Jordan is the captain and Mario showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there, but he’s scored a very important goal.
"I think six or seven players would have wanted to take that penalty so if they all say they are taking it, what happens then?! Rules are in place for a reason."
In pictures: Liverpool 1-0 Besiktas
Mario Balotelli has taken to Instagram to have his say on the penalty incident during Liverpool's win over Besiktas.
The Italian took the ball from the hands of stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson , to convert from the spot, giving his side a vital lead in the Europa League last 32 tie.
After the game, Steven Gerrard - who was working as a TV pundit - claimed Balotelli had broken club code , with Henderson and Daniel Sturridge clearly unimpressed by his actions.
But the 24-year-old defended himself on Instagram on Thursday night, insisting the only thing that mattered was the result.
He posted: "Thank you hendo for let me take the penalty..Stop drama now. We won that's what it count. We are a team and especially we are Liverpool. Come on guys."
Twitter/@mb459
Reds captain Gerrard was sitting out the tie through injury but felt obliged to chip in on Balotelli's actions - similar to those of Kevin Mirallas across Stanley Park earlier this season - although the Belgian failed to score.
Gerrard said: “Mario’s been a bit mischievous and gone against team codes. If he missed it could’ve been like Everton. Rules are rules and they should’ve been adhered to.
“Jordan is the captain and Mario showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there, but he’s scored a very important goal.
"I think six or seven players would have wanted to take that penalty so if they all say they are taking it, what happens then?! Rules are in place for a reason."
In pictures: Liverpool 1-0 Besiktas
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