Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has criticised striker Mario Balotelli for ignoring orders in deciding to take what proved to be a decisive penalty in Thursday's 1-0 win over Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League.
The first leg of the last-32 clash looked to be heading for a goalless draw at Anfield until Jordon Ibe was fouled in the area with seven minutes to play.
Balotelli appeared to take the ball from stand-in skipper Jordan Henderson, with the midfielder initially having been primed to take the spot-kick. He also shrugged off protestations from Daniel Sturridge.
And Gerrard, who could hand the armband over to Henderson on a permanent basis when he departs for LA Galaxy at the end of the season, says Henderson should have stood his ground.
“Jordan should have taken the penalty. Rules are rules. It should have been Henderson. Mario has been a bit mischievous,” Gerrard said on ITV.
“Credit to Mario, he’s scored, but it’s not nice to see when footballers are arguing.
“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.”