Balotelli and Lallana feature in friendly win over Wolves

An incident between Mario Balotelli and Wolves defender George Saville caused a social media storm on Friday afternoon, but rumours of a headbutt by the Italian were wide of the mark.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 31, 2014: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli in action against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Balotelli, plus several other first-team players not involved in international duty this week, were taking part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Wolves at the club’s Melwood training ground on Friday morning.

The Daily Mail describe the incident as: “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.”

The Mirror report that Balotelli “was alleged to have been involved in an incident with visitors’ George Saville as he continues to improve his match fitness.

“But reports on Twitter of a headbutt or stamp have been denied, with it being nothing more than a 50/50 challenge.”

It seems that once again the hysteria of social media has created a controversy out of nothing.

Adam Lallana continued his recovery from injury by taking part in the game, he will be available for the first time next week when the Reds host Aston Villa.

Jose Enrique, Suso, Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva and Fabio Borini also played in the game, which Liverpool won 1-0.