Football
Mike Whalley 10y

Mario Balotelli fuss will not disrupt Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers says

LIVERPOOL -- Brendan Rodgers says that Mario Balotelli has been as "good as gold" since joining Liverpool and insists that false allegations against him will not disrupt the team's rhythm.

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Balotelli is likely to lead the Reds' attack against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, as Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out with a thigh injury suffered while on England duty.

The Italy striker arrived at Anfield with a reputation for controversy and indiscipline as he completed a 16 million-pound move from AC Milan in August.

And he had barely had time to meet his new teammates before he was the subject of false rumours on social media websites.

It was claimed that the 24-year-old had either headbutted or stamped on Wolves midfielder George Saville during a behind-closed-doors friendly at Liverpool's Melwood training ground last Friday.

Sources told ESPN FC at the time that Balotelli had done nothing wrong, which was subsequently backed up by Wolves manager Kenny Jackett on Tuesday.

Liverpool boss Rodgers -- who knows Saville well, having worked with the midfielder when he was Chelsea's youth coach -- said both players were innocent.

Rodgers said: "It was obviously a story that was made up. It was a shame, because the guy did absolutely nothing wrong.

"We played a fantastic game here. Both Kenny Jackett and I watched the game against Wolves. Both teams needed the game towards the end of the first week of the international break.

"It was a really competitive game, a good game. And Mario falls over, having been tackled by the young guy George Saville, who I know very well. I've known him since he was nine years of age. He's a terrific young player, who's just gone to Wolves.

"Both of them tackled, they fell over. George gets up, rubs his head, and the next thing I know is that it's reported that Mario kicked him in the head.

"It's incredible what people write, and what's reported. There was no incident at all, and Mario's been as good as gold since coming in."

Asked how the attention surrounding Balotelli might disrupt Liverpool's team harmony, Rodgers said: "Well, it doesn't. We just move on."

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