Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has suggested that team-mate Mario Balotelli showed "disrespect" by taking the winning penalty against Besiktas.

The Italian was not the designated penalty taker, with stand-in captain Jordan Henderson due to take the kick in the 85th minute of the 1-0 Europa League victory.

But Balotelli appeared to take the ball from Henderson before converting the eventual winner.

Gerrard, who was injured and on punditry duty for ITV, suggested that Balotelli should have acquiesced to his captain's authority.

"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," said Gerrard.

"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."