Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Mario Balotelli's decision to wrestle penalty-taking duties from Jordan Henderson against Besiktas was "common sense".
The Reds were awarded a late spot kick when Jordon Ibe was bundled over, and Balotelli took the ball from stand-in captain Henderson before converting for a 1-0 win in the Europa League last 32 first leg.
Steven Gerrard was critical of the Italian after the game, but Carragher thought that Balotelli's action were correct, and the ex-defender has been impressed with the forward's recent form.
He told the Daily Mail: "Henderson didn't look happy but he's never taken one before - for Liverpool or Sunderland. Balotelli's record is 27 from 29.
"I understand the furore but if you keep your designated taker on the penalty when there is someone better on the pitch, it's not a lack of respect - it's a lack of common sense.
"I've not changed my view about Balotelli as a signing or what should happen with him in the summer, but he's made an impact recently from the bench, with his 84th-minute spot kick against Besiktas coming after an 83rd-minute strike against Tottenham. He is playing his part."
Liverpool travel to travel to top-four rivals Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Paul Gorst
