Balotelli thanks fans after Smalling incident: 'I wasn't alone on the pitch'

Of all the extraordinary incidents that highlighted Sunday's fiery match between Liverpool and Manchester United, the least reprehensible involved striker Mario Balotelli.

How often do we say that?

In a game that saw multiple stamps – one resulting in Steven Gerrard's instantly infamous red card – Balotelli's little scuffle with Chris Smalling was relatively tame. Had it not been for a few supporters, it could have been a whole lot worse.

Balotelli was clearly intending to confront the English defender after the two got tangled on the sidelines, but was held back by a couple Liverpool supporters who may very well have saved him from his second yellow card.

As a result, after the match, Balotelli took to his Facebook page to show his gratitude, posting the following photo and message:

Besides all efforts the game didn't go our way. But one thing was real clear: I wasn't alone on the pitch. YNWA

You really don't walk alone as a member of the Reds.