Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has defended Mario Balotelli for his successful spotkick in victory over Europa League opponents Besiktas.
Carragher wrote in the Daily Mail: "He could not have been Liverpool's designated penalty-taker before the Europa League game because he was on the bench. The same would have applied to Steven Gerrard, had he been a substitute.
"Had Steven come on, though, he would have been given the ball and rightly so, as he is Liverpool's penalty-taker. Had Balotelli taken the ball from Steven it would have been a disgrace and any criticism would have been deserved.
"With Steven not around, though, surely everyone could recognise Balotelli is one of the best the world has seen in recent years in such situations. You never thought he would miss.
"Henderson didn't look happy but he's never taken one before - for Liverpool or Sunderland. Balotelli's record is 27 from 29."
