Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli protests controversial offside decision on Instagram following FA Cup exit

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has hit out at match officials after seeing his second half goal ruled out for offside in his side's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final.

Balotelli, 24, came off the bench at half time but was unable to prevent his side crashing out of the competition after Fabian Delph's 54<sup>th minute winner.

The Italy international looked to have pulled back an equaliser that would have forced extra time in the 89<sup>th minute when he sprung clear of the Villa defence before slotting the ball past Villa goalkeeper Shay Given.

Referee Michael Oliver had already blown his whistle, however, with the linesman's flag raised, despite replays suggested the Liverpool striker was onside.

While Balotelli was also quick to congratulate Villa on reaching the final, he appeared to question the decision with a post in Instagram.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was left equally frustrated with the incident and condemned the 'poor decision' of the officials.

"It was very clear," Rodgers said in his post-match press conference. "It was a very poor decision by the official because he's looking right across the line. He should be able to see that the full-back's keeping him at least a yard onside.

"It was a terrific ball in, he's got a good touch so he's in on goal and, like you say, he took it through and finished it, so you need that to go for you."

Balotelli, who has scored just one Premier League goal since arriving on Merseyside last summer, is no stranger to social media controversy.

The former Milan striker was banned for one match and fined £25,000 after an Instagram post which included anti-Semitic and racist references in February.