Wednesday, 22nd October, 2014



Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has vowed to "deal" with Mario Balotelli after he swapped shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time at Anfield in the Reds' 3-0 Champions League defeat to the Spaniards.

Liverpool were given a torrid time by Real Madrid, who quickly stamped their authority on the game at Anfield, quietening the crowd when Cristiano Ronaldo connected with a superb ball to get ahead of Martin Skrtel and half-volley the ball past Simon Mignolet in the 23rd minute.




The European champions quickly doubled their lead when Karim Benzema headed the ball home only seven minutes later.

 


They then made absolutely sure of victory when taking advantage of a penalty box scramble, with Benzema prodding in his second of the game in the 41st minute.

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Liverpool brought Balotelli off at half-time for Adam Lallana and the Reds doggedly made sure they did not concede any further goals, with the game ending 3-0 to the visitors.

And Balotelli swapping shirts has angered Rodgers, who says the first he knew about it was when the Sky Sports reporter interviewing him asked him for his view.

"That's the first I've heard of it", Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"If that's the case I wouldn't like it either [like the supporters].

"It's something I don't like to see. I've seen it in other leagues and countries, but it certainly doesn't happen here.

"We've had an incident with another player doing it last season which I dealt with and if that's the case again I'll deal with it again."

Rodgers also confirmed Balotelli's substitution at half-time for Adam Lallana was a tactical move.

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