LIVERPOOL, England - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has criticized Mario Balotelli for swapping shirts with an opponent at halftime of a Champions League match against Real Madrid.

Balotelli exchanged shirts with Madrid defender Pepe as they approached the tunnel on the way to the dressing rooms, moments after the halftime whistle.

Rodgers says "it's not something I stand for. If you want to do that, for me you do that at the end of the game."

Rodgers says "it's something I'll deal with" on Thursday.

Balotelli did not reappear for the second half, although Rodgers said that was "purely tactical" and was unaware of Balotelli swapping shirts until after the match.

Madrid won 3-0 at Anfield.