Mario Balotelli thanked the Liverpool fans who helped him avoid a red card against Manchester United , writing ' I wasn ’ t alone on the pitch ' . During the closing stages of Manchester United 's win over Liverpool , Balotelli had to be restrained by the fans after clashing with Chris Smalling after taking offence to a tackle . The fiery Italian reacted to being forced into the advertising boards and was quick in his attempts to grab the England international . Mario Balotelli ( right ) is restrained by some Liverpool supporters after his clash with Chris Smalling . The Italian was angry at the England international after a tussle forced them into the advertising board . Liverpool fans intervened and may have played their part in keeping Balotelli on the pitch - with the forward being booked just a few minutes before . And Balotelli showed his appreciation for the supporters on Monday , posting a picture to Facebook thanking them for helping him . 'Besides all efforts the game didn ’ t go our way , ' he wrote . 'But one thing was real clear : I wasn ’ t alone on the pitch . YNWA ' The incident occured after the Balotelli took a poor touch and Smalling attempted to shepherd him off the pitch but both players collided with the boards during the physical tussle . The England international was quick to get on with the game but the Italian attempted to grab him and a stand-off ensued . Neither player were booked for the clash and Brendan Rodgers may be thankful the Liverpool supporters were able to restrain the fiery 24-year-old . The duo competed for the ball and momentum appeared to take them into the boards . Both players tumble towards the hoardings as Balotelli falls under the challenge of Smalling . Balotelli grabbed Smalling by the ankle but was restrained before anything more could kick off . Balotelli wrote on his facebook that he had not been alone on the pitch , thanking the fans for their support .
Mario Balotelli and Chris Smalling were involved in a heated exchange . The Italian had to be restrained by the Liverpool supporters . Balotelli thanked the fans on Facebook after the game . ' I was n't alone on the pitch ' he wrote on Monday morning . Neither player was punished for the clash by referee Martin Atkinson . Manchester United beat Liverpool 2-1 in a crucial Premier League clash . Click here for all the latest Liverpool news .