Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that the penalty incident against Besiktas involving Mario Balotelli has attracted "more drama" than was necessary.

After the club won a late spot kick, Balotelli took the penalty ahead of designated taker Jordan Henderson, a move which was criticised by captain Steven Gerrard.

Club legend Jamie Carragher weighed in on the debate by insisting that Balotelli was right to pull rank over the midfielder, but Rodgers is adamant that the incident has been blown out of proportion.

The 42-year-old told reporters: "There's been more drama made out of it than it was.

"When Steven Gerrard plays he's number one penalty taker. Jordan was nominated penalty taker. Jordan showed last night what a team player he was by letting Mario take it.

"Young Jordan showed his maturity. I didn't like the etiquette, but we got the result."

Balotelli's goal earned Liverpool a 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg in Turkey next Thursday.