Premier League: Criticism of Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is 'unfair', says Hull boss Steve Bruce

Hull manager Steve Bruce has leapt to the defence of under-fire Liverpool new-boy Mario Balotelli, saying the Italian striker appears to be "a bit of a whipping boy".

Balotelli has been a frequent target for criticism over the years, whether playing for Manchester City, Inter, AC Milan, his national team and now Liverpool.

The latest volley followed his decision to swap shirts at half-time of Wednesday's Champions League match at Anfield involving Real Madrid, whose defender Pepe approached Balotelli to exchange clothing as they were leaving the pitch.

The 24-year-old duly obliged and was vehemently criticised for his actions, which happened when hosts Liverpool were trailing by three goals.

But Bruce, whose Hull travel to Merseyside to face the Reds in the Premier League on Saturday, believes Balotelli is once again being unfairly condemned for what he did.

Bruce said: "It's not for me to comment on other people's players but from the outside he seems to be the whipping boy at the moment.

From the outside he seems to be the whipping boy at the moment

"That's always a bit unfair. There's always a scapegoat and he seems to be the one at the minute that the media are on to, and everyone else too.

"I think it's a bit unfair on the lad. There's always one that people pick on. I suppose the changing of the strip (didn't help) but I thought he did okay in that game.

"Lots have been made of the changing of shirts but we've seen it for years haven't we?

"It's maybe not in our DNA in the English leagues but abroad they all do it and they think it's nothing."