Balotelli came on as a substitute and scored the game’s only goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Besiktas at Anfield.
He was accused by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard of being disrespectful after the controversial Italian striker snatched penalty-taking duties away from Jordan Henderson during Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League win over Besiktas.
Gerrard was angry that Balotelli overruled Henderson when the stand-in Reds skipper tried to take an 85th-minute penalty in the last 32, first leg at Anfield.
But Balotelli took the ball out of Henderson’s hands, prompting an exchange of words with the Liverpool midfielder before a visibly irritated Reds striker, Daniel Sturridge, arrived on the scene to protest on Henderson’s behalf.
Ignoring their complaints, Balotelli, who has endured a difficult time at Liverpool since his move from AC Milan last year, didn’t seem bothered by the fuss as he deliberately stutter-stepped in his run-up before coolly stroking home the spot-kick.
Balotelli has scored 27 of his 29 penalties for club and country throughout his career.