PHOTO: Liverpool newspaper demands apology from Balotelli for shirt swap

The footballing world continues to overreact to Mario Balotelli's every last action.

The controversial Italian striker, who has struggled mightily since joining Liverpool during the summer transfer window, is now coming under fire for his harmless decision to swap shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time of Wednesday's Champions League match.

Balotelli was substituted at the half by manager Brendan Rodgers, who claimed the decision was tactical - despite also admitting he was unhappy with the exchange of jerseys.

The Liverpool Echo wasn't fond of the move either, judging by this back page.

Balotelli will always be a polarizing figure, and this is just the latest example of people criticizing the 24-year-old for something that's commonplace in the modern game.

It's unfair, but the striker isn't afforded the same benefit of the doubt as many of his peers. Until he starts finding that net for the Reds, that won't change.