The controversial Italian, who has an excellent record from the spot, took penalty duties off skipper-for-the-night Jordan Henderson, who would normally be expected to step up, and buried the ball to seal the victory with typical aplomb after Jordon Ibe had been fouled inside the box.
But Gerrard, the club's No.1 penalty taker when fit, says that the pre-determined rules dictate that Henderson, not Balotelli, should have been the one to take the spot kick and that he was disappointed with the striker's behaviour.
"Jordan should have taken the penalty. Rules are rules. It should have been Henderson. Mario has been a bit mischievous," Gerrard toldITV.
The LA Galaxy-bound midfielder did praise the striker's composure, however, adding: "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. He can see that Mario really wanted to score. Jordan walked away at the right moment and handled his post-match interview very well.
"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."
Source: goal
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