Mario Balotelli Angers Brendan Rodgers After Snubbing Liverpool Fans

What Has Balotelli Done To Annoy Rodgers Now?

Mario Balotelli's undistinguished start to his Liverpool career continued in Basel, as he risked manager Brendan Rodgers' wrath for not applauding the Reds' travelling supporters.

Marco Streller's second-half goal gave Basel their fourth win over English opponents at home in three years on a night Liverpool were described as "soft" by captain Steven Gerrard.

The Reds created few chances and it was a tale of two strikers - the one who was playing, Balotelli, and the one who was not, Daniel Sturridge.

Balotelli failed to impress again in Basel

Balotelli began brightly but tailed off and at the final whistle stomped down the tunnel without so much as an acknowledgement to the travelling fans.

"I will speak to him to make sure he did that," said Rodgers. "It is important when our supporters travel a long way we always make sure every player shows their appreciation."

Sturridge, who is reported to be closing in on a new contract at Anfield, has missed six matches with a thigh injury and Rodgers said he was unlikely to be fit for this weekend's game against West Brom so had ruled him out of the England squad.

"I spoke to Roy today. I am not sure if Daniel will be fit for the weekend so I think at this moment he won't be in the squad," Rodgers added.

"I think over the next couple of weeks Daniel has to get up to speed and hopefully after the international break he will be able to play for us, which is the priority."

Close

What's Hot