Rodgers insists there is no problem with Balotelli after Shelvey spat

Brendan Rodgers has insisted Mario Balotelli does not need protecting, ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Newcastle at the weekend.

Balotelli came off the bench to score his second Liverpool goal in the 2-1 win over Swansea in the Capital One Cup in midweek, before getting involved in a spat with former Reds midfielder Jonjo Shelvey.

But Rodgers insists the Italian forward does not need special treatment because of his hot-headed reputation.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rodgers said:  Rodgers said: “Not Mario Balotelli again.

“I don’t know, but there is no problem, so we move on.”

“I don’t have to protect Mario, he’s fine.

“There’s no concern, think of a better question.”