Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers "shocked" by Mario Balotelli abuse on social media

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he was "shocked" to learn that Mario Balotelli is the most-abused footballer on social media, according to fresh data.

Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out has revealed that between August 2014 and March 2015, the 24-year-old striker received 8,000 abusive messages, more than half of which were of a racist nature.

In response to the findings, Rodgers told reporters: "I was shocked when I saw that. One abusive message is one too many. We support all organisations who are trying to stamp out that kind of behaviour."

Balotelli has failed to cement a regular starting spot at Anfield since his £16m move from AC Milan last summer.