Gary Lineker has defended Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli over his controversial shirt swapping episode during half-time of last night’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
The former Tottenham striker feels the gesture would not have affected the performance of the Italian while even going so far to say it encourages sportsmanship.
“Can’t see the negative in half time shirt swap. Does it affect result? No. Does it affect performance? No. Is it unsportsmanlike? No,” he wrote on Twitter.
The former Manchester City star has come under fire, though, from fans and former players for his action with many believing that with the Reds losing 3-0 at half-time it was disrespectful to engage in such an act.
Balotelli looks set to be fined by Brendan Rodgers for the incident.
Can’t see the negative in half time shirt swap. Does it affect result? No. Does it affect performance? No. Is it unsportsmanlike? No.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 23, 2014