Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Mario Balotelli was within his rights to take the penalty last night that sealed a 1-0 win over Besiktas in their Europa League tie.

The Italian striker appeared to take the ball off Jordan Henderson before taking the spot-kick, which prompted club Steven Gerrard to say that the striker was being disrespectful during his TV analysis.

But Rodgers says that Balotelli was the man to take the penalty.

"Jordan Henderson showed last night what a team player he was. You respect Mario's position that he's an outstanding penalty-taker and he was happy to give him the penalty. We got the penalty and won the game so young Jordan Henderson showed his maturity and showed what a team player he was, and Mario had the composure and calmness to finish it," said the Liverpool manager.