Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli was taken off in a behind closed doors friendly with Wolves after a heated conversation with referee Chris Foy.
The
24-year-old, who moved to Anfield from AC Milan in a £16million deal
last month, appeared to be held back by Kolo Toure as Foy attempted to
talk to him during the game at Melwood.
Sportsmail understands
the Italian was involved in a robust 50-50 challenge with a Wolves
player. No altercation took place and Balotelli was substituted soon
after.
Toure put
his arm around his former Manchester City team-mate as Foy spoke to him
about the incident. Balotelli was later pictured leaving the training
ground.
The
ex-Inter Milan star had started the game with the likes of Adam
Lallana, Jose Enrique and Lucas. The hosts ran out 1-0 winners against
the Championship side, with Lallana scoring the goal.
Balotelli made his debut for Brendan Rodgers' side in last Sunday's 3-0 win against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
He
failed to score but impressed with his movement in the box as the Reds
returned to winning ways after a 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.
Rodgers
had joked that Balotelli would bring 'trouble' to Liverpool, but
insisted that it was worth the gamble to bring the Italy international
to Merseyside.
Last month he told Sky Sports: 'Look
at the talent. He's at a stage in his career where this is his chance.
I've worked with those types of players all my life in youth coaching
where I've never had the finished article.
'He
needs to be consistent and if he can do that he will be one hell of a
player. Most players I like to look in their eye and see honesty and
humility.
'We
went three-and-a-half hours talking it through. He's at a massive club.
We can help him improve his game - he's a very bright boy and he knows
this is his last chance.
'I'm excited to work with him and improve him as a footballer as well as a person.'
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