Former Leicester striker Gary Lineker has jumped to Mario Balotelli's defence after the controversial Liverpool player was seen swapping shirts at half time during the Red's 3-0 loss to Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old Italian forward has come under fire for exchanging jerseys with Galactico Pepe at Anfield, in the Group B Champions Leagues clash, last night.
The two were filmed swapping shirts in the tunnel at half time, just before Balotelli was subbed for Adam Lallana.
But fans, pundits and even his own manager Brendan Rodgers, have criticised the misfiring Liverpool star for the act, saying it sent out the wrong message.
Red manager Rodgers said after the game: "It's not something I stand for. If you want to do it… you do it at the end of the game."
Others said it showed Balotelli had given up on the game, accepting the 3-0 half time result, with a number of national papers suggesting he could be fined for breach of conduct.
But Lineker had a different take on the situation.
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
His tweet provoked a strong reaction from fans.
Rick O'Shea replied: "Is it disrespectful of fans? Yes…"
And as always, Piers Morgan was quick to tell City legend Lineker he was wrong.
Sorry, Jugs @GaryLineker - you're wrong. Publicly swapping your shirt at half-time when you're 0-3 down is outrageous behaviour.#Balotelli
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 23, 2014
