Mario Balotelli caught giving Man United fans middle finger
Gossip & Rumours
By
Game Yetu/ Mirror
| Mar 23, 2015
Following Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at Anfield, Mario Balotelli appeared to put his middle finger up at Manchester United fans as he walked out of Anfield on Sunday.
The Liverpool striker was leaving the ground when supporters of United began to sing 'Manchester City reject' and "what a waste of money," aimed at him. He then filmed the fans on his iPhone before appearing to flip his middle finger in their direction.
Earlier in the day, Balotelli was restrained by his own fans following a forceful clash with Chris Smalling, which sent the Liverpool player flying into the advertising hoardings.
When Balotelli jumped up to react to the tackle, a couple of Reds fans sat nearby grabbed him by the arm to stop him doing anything that might have resulted in disciplinary action. That was Balotelli's only meaningful incident in the match, as he failed to inspire a late equaliser for the Reds, who had pulled a goal back through Daniel Sturridge late in the second half.
Liverpool were playing the second 45 minutes with 10 men after Steven Gerrard was sent off for a stamp on Ander Herrera - within a minute of entering the fray. Team-mate Martin Skrtel also appeared to have a momentary lack of discipline at the end of the game, as he also appeared to leave his foot in on David De Gea.
Balotelli has been the subject of widespread criticism since joining Liverpool from AC Milan for £16 million last August.
The Italy international has only managed four goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, with only one of those goals coming in the Premier League. The Italian midfielder has become known for being a difficult character to handle off the pitch.