Balotelli: "I wasn't alone"

Mario Balotelli has taken to Facebook to give his verdict on a Liverpool supporter apparently stopping him from getting involved in a fracas with Chris Smalling at Anfield on Sunday.

The Italian clashed with the Manchester United defender in the second half, and was grabbed by a Reds fan as he was getting back to his feet by the touchline.

Balotelli posted the image to his Facebook profile, with the caption: "Besides all efforts the game didn’t go our way. But one thing was real clear: I wasn’t alone on the pitch. YNWA."

Shaun Leatherbarrow, who has a season ticket in the front row of the Centenary Stand at Anfield, admitted he grabbed the striker as he feared he would get sent off for retaliating to Smalling.