Ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage labeled Liverpool's Mario Balotelli as 'pathetic' for missing out on the FA Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of the game, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that the Italian striker was ill and had been sent home, however, pundit Savage refused to believe it.

"Pathetic isn't it? You're going to miss an FA Cup quarter-final?" he said on BT Sport.

"I don't know how unwell he is, but to miss an FA Cup quarter-final when you're feeling a bit ill? Nonsense. I would have to be really, really ill to miss that game."