Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has moved to defend Mario Balotelli's decision to swap shirts with Pepe during Liverpool's match with his team in the Champions League.
Balotelli, who was substituted at half time, swapped shirts with Madrid centre-back, Pepe, at the half-time interval and was subjected to criticism because of his failure to wait until the game was over.
"It is normal to swap jerseys in football. Sometimes it happens at half-time. I do not see the problem," Ancelotti told ESPN.
The Italian went on to praise Balotelli's performance, as well as Raheem Sterling's showing, when asked about which Liverpool players he was impressed with, before concluding with praise for the way his side took control of the game.
"I like the role of Sterling coming from deep, and the role that Balotelli played," he added.
"After we scored three goals they lost a bit of their spirit and motivation to go for the win.
"I am very satisfied to play with such personality and quality in a difficult place like this. The team has a lot of maturity, a lot of confidence in this moment.
"We defended well in the opening minutes, and controlled early intensity from Liverpool. Then we had our incredible quality up front from Cristiano and the others."
Real Madrid set a new club record with their seventh consecutive win in European competition after their victory at Anfield last night.
Do you think Mario Balotelli was right to swap shirts with Pepe at half time? Have your say in the comments section below.
